Weight Training in later Alzheimer's

Whatdowedonext

My husband has done weight training for a few years with a trainer. He is now moving into the later stages of This Crappy Disease, and he has begun to shuffle. Should we continue the weight training?

Gator1976

Only with your doctors approval. We dealt with my wife’s mother with both a broken ankle and broken neck. Both happened from separate events connected to undiscovered heart stoppages with in a month of each other. She ended up with a pace maker. It was impossible to keep her braces on. It didn’t matter how many notes or calls or anything else we tried, none of or it worked. It was horrifying.

YOU DON’T WANT TO EVEN THINK THIS COULD HAPPEN.

midge333

I would continue if he is properly supervised and he enjoys it.

Palmetto Peg

I think any kind of movement is valuable. His trainer should know how to modify his exercises as the disease progresses. I kept my DH with his trainer until he became wheelchair bound, and we now work with a physical therapist to help keep his legs from becoming tight and uncomfortable. If he enjoys it, I would definitely continue it.

SDianeL

As long as they have anti fall procedures in place and the doctor and trainer agree. Maybe the trainer could do lighter weights in a seated position?

Whatdowedonext

Thanks for the comments, we are going to keep going. We work with a trainer at our local YMCA, she is well-trained, and the atmosphere of the Y is upbeat and welcoming for all kinds of humans.

Whatdowedonext

I am sorry that happened, it sounds awful for all of you.

Scooterr

My DW and I have both trained with weights for many yrs. Now that DW is in-between stage 6 to 7 and also shuffle walks. I continue to motivate her as much as possible. Now that being said, it's nothing like she use to do. Now it's very low weights, 2lbs. There're many days she's unable to do anything, but on the good days I get her moving. It's so important no matter what to keep them moving as much as we can. Whether though light weights, stretching, walking, anything even if they're not able to get up out of a chair. They can do arm and leg raises. I think the main thing is to just interact with our LO to stimulate the mind and body.