Exercise reduces fall in people with dementia

This research highlights the importance of supporting people with dementia to remain as fit and active as possible. Preventing falls through exercise programmes could enable thousands to remain independent for longer.

Over 30% of people over the age of 65 fall each year and people with dementia are particularly at risk. Dementia impairs memory, alters judgement and affects insight. Previous research has shown that exercise can reduce the number of falls in this age group, but this is one of the few studies to focus on people with dementia.

Susanne Sorensen    
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society

ENDS

Reference:
Megan J. Wraith.  Reduction in falls found for people with dementia from carer-directed home exercise program.

Megan J. Wraith.  Carer-directed home exercise programs maintain quality of life for people with dementia over 12 months.

Notes to editors

About ICAD:
The International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD) will run from Sunday, 26 July 2008 until Wednesday 30 July 2008. Cutting edge research into dementia will be presented across the conference.

About dementia:

• 1 in 3 older people will end their lives with a form of dementia.
• 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia.  This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051. 1 in 6 people over 80 have dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. The Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• As a charity, Alzheimer's Society depends on the generosity of the public to help it care, research and campaign for people with dementia. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk. 
• Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline number is 0845 300 0336
• For further information please call  0207 423 3595 or 07802688774.