Rehabilitation sports in the field of dementia and mental illness
The diagnoses of mental illnesses with correspondingly far-reaching symptoms are manifold. This results in largely inhomogeneous groups for rehabilitation sports, whose participants can exhibit conspicuous behavior and very different physical fitness. The trainers must be able to demonstrate special knowledge, appropriate professional licenses and, ideally, experience.
Example: rehabilitation sports with dementia patients: Most participants in sports with dementia patients have already reached senior age. This means that, in addition to dementia, you often have neurological and/or internal clinical pictures and your physical performance is already significantly limited. This results in limitations in many respects.
On the one hand, the short-term/long-term memory, the ability to think, spatial orientation and the processing of information are limited, and often insecurity, general restlessness and even aggression and anxiety disorders are added. On the other hand, the resilience of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and physical strength may already be significantly limited. A lack of movement and expression and a decrease in the ability to react can also occur.
The overlap of dementia and mental illness (e.g. depression) is frequent. The formation of small groups is recommended. A great deal of research is currently being done in the area of “Sport for people with dementia”, as well as in the field of prevention and the effectiveness of sport for people already suffering from dementia.
The effectiveness of sport has been proven to be particularly effective for mild to moderate forms of dementia. Targeted training improves both mental and physical functions. The blood circulation and oxygen saturation stimulated by sport, as well as improved physical fitness have a positive effect on memory performance.
Everyday stress such as climbing stairs, lifting and carrying, longer walking distances and everyday activities are easier to cope with. Rehabilitation sports for dementia patients include cardiovascular endurance training and strength training, combined with cognitive requirements (simple arithmetic tasks, word games). Attention and reaction are demanded and encouraged by the exercises and playful offers.
The choice of exercises should be based on everyday requirements. Coordination and balance training in safe areas with the aim of preventing falls complete the program. Exercises with rhythm requirements, balance and reactive exercise combinations are more demanding.
Positive reinforcement by the exercise instructors is of elementary importance. Spatial changes or changes of instructors can make the persons concerned very insecure. Repetitions of exercise series or sports games with always the same sequence of events and hourly schedules characterized by constant structures make it easier for those affected to participate.
- Dementia of various causes
- Dependence diseases
- Depressions
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorders
- Neurotic disorders (anxiety, forced eating disorders)
- Borderline disease
- Autism
