The benefits of having an active lifestyle are well known. Exercise, weight maintenance and healthy eating habits are some of the suggestions put forward by most health care professionals that aim to enhance a person's well-being. Now some research has taken this one step further and is suggesting that exercise during middle age may benefit those who are diagnosed with Dementia and Alzheimer's. Although there is no known cure, exercise as a preventative measure to stop or slow the onset of dementia is increasingly becoming the subject of scholarly research.

Sheila Fried's 92 year old mother Dyna Dalfen has Alzheimer's disease and her participation in the Workout Studio at the Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors is making an important difference in her life. “When I told my mother's doctor that she exercises twice a week, the response was that the exercise may be more beneficial than the medication she is taking. You cannot prevent Alzheimer's nor can you cure it, what you can do with exercise is improve one's quality of life”, said Fried.

Fried notes that her mother has been exercising for a number of years and now, along with some assistance, is able to get out to the Cummings Centre twice a week to participate in activities in a community setting.

Sandra Benjamin, a fitness instructor and personal trainer, notes that if you don't use it, you may lose it. She has been working with Dyna Dalfen and notes some of the advantages of working out in a community setting such as in the Workout Studio of the Cummings Centre. “You get to know people here who in turn provide words of encouragement,” said Benjamin, recognizing that you not only benefit from exercising but from the social component. “They all know Dyna here and she acknowledges them. This interaction can be very motivating and further engages the participant.”

For more information call the Cummings Centre at 514-342-1234.