Alzheimer Society launches Minds in Motion program
With growing evidence linking a socially, physically and mentally active lifestyle in helping people to live better with dementia, the Alzheimer Society of Cornwall and District has launched its Minds in Motion program to local residents throughout the five counties - the first will be starting in Cornwall this month. The Minds in Motion program combines exercise and intellectual stimulation.
The program will include up to 60 minutes of physical exercise led by a trained physical activity program leader, and up to 60 minutes of mentally stimulating activities facilitated by a program coordinator. The program is delivered weekly over a period of eight weeks.
“Regular physical activity and mental stimulation are good for your health and your brain because they encourage the development of new cells and new connections,” said Shelley Vaillancourt, executive director of the Alzheimer Society of Cornwall and District. “When combined in a social environment, the program also helps foster a sense of independence for people with dementia and promotes the well-being of those who care for them.”
The activities are targeted for people with early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, and their primary caretakers. The $20 fee per participant covers registration costs for the duration of the course, which is eight consecutive weeks. Care partners are to register along with the person who is living with dementia.
“We heard from people living with dementia in the early stages, that they wanted to connect with other people who are living a similar journey and that they wanted to be active in exercise and in intellectual stimulation,” explained Vaillancourt. “Now, we have been granted the opportunity to offer Minds in Motion to meet this request.”