Minds in Motion program in Lacombe helps people with dementia – Lacombe Express

Staying active—both physically and cognitively—is the goal of Minds in Motion, a program run by the Wolf Creek Primary Care Network.

Originally developed by the Alzheimer Society, the program was designed to help people with dementia and their families/carers.

The program combines physical activity and mental stimulation, said Kristi Lem, an exercise specialist at Wolf Creek Primary Care Network.

Activities can range from a variety of games to participating in activities that actually make memories, such as

“It could be an object that was special to them when they were young, and then they have a chance to talk about their experiences. So it’s pretty social, too,” she said.

“It’s a great way for people to get mentally and physically active. They are also surrounded by people having similar experiences, be they other people with dementia or their carers.”

A lingering stigma can sometimes still be associated with dementia, in which case there can also be a sense of isolation, she said, adding that the Alzheimer’s Association has been working to expand the program’s reach across communities .

To this end, a new Minds in Motion session will begin on September 27th in Lacombe at the Kozy Korner, taking place once a week from 2:30pm to 4:30pm

Lem facilitates the fitness portion of the sessions.

Regarding the exercises she presents, Lem said that it really depends on the group. “I try to do sitting and standing exercises with modifications.

“I’m also trying to make it accessible to everyone,” she explained. There is also the use of weights to build strength.

“We have a variety of different devices and try to associate them with things they’ve already done – like pretending to chop wood. Or window cleaning — so we relate some of the activities to things they’ve done in the past, and we make it fun and enjoyable for them through the fitness portion of the class,” she said.

An emphasis on building physical fitness is important as this helps maintain good balance, flexibility and strength. It’s also good for foster partners.

“Often the caregivers are so busy taking care of their loved ones that they don’t have time to take care of themselves,” she said of the activity portion of the meetings.

During the pandemic, meetings have been held virtually (the local library helped by lending iPads).

“I think a lot of attendees enjoyed being able to join a group,” she said, referring to the long months of closure and restrictions on gatherings.

The meetings are now personal.

“I think now that we’re back in person, the attendees have enjoyed seeing each other face to face and they’re able to bond a little bit more,” she said.

“A lot of them are also repeat participants, so they’ve been able to build those relationships with each other,” she said.

“It’s fun to see the relationships and friendships grow. And when new people come in and join the group, it’s amazing to see how welcoming they are. You can see it’s a really inclusive environment. I just enjoy getting to know the contestants and seeing them get to know each other,” she said.

“I think one big benefit for people with dementia that I’ve heard from carers is that their spirits are lifted after class. They may not remember exactly what game we played or what we did for the fitness part, but they always feel better afterwards; They’re happier and smiling during class and even afterwards,” she said.

“They often feel a lot better.”

For more information about the Minds in Motion program or to register, call the Lacombe Walk-In Clinic at 403-782-1408 or email [email protected].

The “Minds in Motion” program takes place several times a year and lasts six weeks each time.

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