Minds in Motion®

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Minds in Motion® is a community-based social program that incorporates physical activity and mental stimulation. It's for people with early to mid-stage signs of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias and their care partners.

Minds in Motion program in session.

Contact Kristy Giles at 866-576-8556 or email kgiles@alzllg.ca.

What is Minds in Motion®?

Combining physical activity and mental stimulation, Minds in Motion® unfolds to laughter and chatter, with new friendships forming and stories being shared.

Here's what our participants get from Minds in Motion®:

"I enjoyed participating in both the physical exercise and the social activities. It was wonderful meeting and getting to know all the participants. A great group! Overall, a great program. We both love coming. Leaders are excellent - always empathetic and great teachers.” –Care Partner

“The people involved are most helpful. Pleasant and understanding- it’s been a very worthwhile course.” - Person with Dementia

Who Are Minds in Motion® Participants?

  • Minds in Motion participants have early to mid-stage signs of dementia and are accompanied by their care partners.
  • In some circumstances individuals register on their own, please connect with your local Alzheimer Society for more information on this option.
  • A maximum of 11 couples, or 22 participants, enrolled in each eight-week program.
  • Each pair pays a minimal registration fee (fees may vary by community).
  • The 2-hour program runs once a week, for 8 weeks, in a community-based program centre.

The Minds in Motion® benefits

For the person with dementia:

  1. Improved balance, mobility, flexibility, and alertness,
  2. Increased confidence, and comfort with their own circumstance,
  3. Mutual support from others facing similar experiences.

For the care partners, it’s an opportunity to focus on their own health, and have fun with their partner.

Care partner benefits include:

  1. Seeing the person they are caring for enjoying themselves.
  2. Mutual support and learning from other care partners.

All participants can benefit from:

  1. Sharpened mental functioning, sometimes lasting 2-3 days.
  2. Increased sense of social participation.

Here's the Pilot Findings:

  • Participants’ endurance improved by 20% and strength by 15%.
  • Participants reported decreased social isolation and an increase in informal networks of support.
  • 79% of participants continue with physical and social programs after participating.
  • Close to 100 volunteers and students have been trained and are active in program delivery.
  • 90% of staff, volunteers and students identified an increase in their dementia knowledge.