Cycling together with dementia | Van Raam (2024)

What is dementia?

The foundation 'Stichting Alzheimer Nederland' describes dementia as follows: Dementia is the name for a combination of symptoms (a syndrome) in which the brain can no longer process information properly. Dementia is a collective name for more than fifty diseases. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. In addition, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Lewy body dementia are common.

The prognosis of patients with dementia differs. For some people, the decline of the brain goes very fast, others can live a reasonable life for years. During the beginning of the disease, the patient has memory problems. Later on, thinking and language problems can arise and changes in behavior and character can also occur.

At this moment, there is no medicine for Alzheimer's disease or against other forms of dementia. There are medicines that can possibly delay the progress of the disease. Fortunately, much research is still being done worldwide in the field of this disease.

Cycling together with dementia | Van Raam (1)

Cycling together during World Alzheimer's day

In september it is World Alzheimer's month, the theme for World Alzheimer's Month 2019 will be raising awareness and challenging stigma. On Saturday, September 21, 2019, it is World Alzheimer's Day. The theme in the Netherlands this year is 'move together'. Research has shown that exercise is good for people with dementia. Moving ensures that the mental deterioration slows down. You improve your thinking skills, restlessness, passivity and your blood circulation with exercise.On Monday, September 21, 2020, it is World Alzheimer's Day. The theme in the Netherlands this year is 'Young and Old'.

Our multi-person bikes offer people the opportunity to move together. With the Van RaamFun2Go side-by-side tandemyou can sit comfortably next to each other while enjoying a great bike ride. Because you sit next to each other, the supervisor can keep a close eye on the co-driver and assess whether he / she is still having fun or is tired. If the co-driver gets tired, thefoot plate/step optioncan also be used or the Fun2Go side-by-side tandem can be put in another position, so that the co-driver doesn't havo to pedal along. In this way, the caregiver and patient can enjoy a carefree bicycle ride and the person with dementia gets enough exercise at the same time. Take a pleasant day out, for example, and stop in between for a cup of coffee, with a piece of cake.

Read more about the Fun2Go side-by-side tandem on theproduct pageof this bike.

Fun2Go product page

'Fietsmaatjes' are committed to people with dementia

Despite the fact that there is no treatment yet to stop dementia, a lot of attention is being asked for the disease and there is worldwide research into dementia. A foundation that gives attention to dementia and movement/cycling in combination with each other is 'Fietsmaatjes'. 'Fietsmaatjes' is for people who like to go out on a bike but because of a disability they are no longer able to go independently. 'Fietmaatjes', translated as bike buddies, cycle on clear blue side-by-side tandems with a sign with their logo on the back of the bike.

Approximately 25 duos of 'Fietsmaatjes' will participate in a "star-shaped" bicycle tour from Leiden, Leiderdorp, Zoeterwoude, Teylingen, Voorschoten, Oegstgeest, Voorschoten, Alphen aan den Rijn, Noordwijk and Hillegom (cities in the Netherlands) on World Alzheimer Day 2019.

Some of the current guests of 'Fietsmaatjes' have memory problems and already regularly make a bike ride with a volunteer from 'Fietsmaatjes' on a side-by-side tandem with pedalsupport.

Cycling together with dementia | Van Raam (2)

Cycling with a brain disorder

In addition to Alzheimer's brain disease, there are more brain diseases that make moving and cycling on a traditional bike with two wheels difficult. In the article "Cycling with a brain disorder" you can read what Van Raam can do for people with a brain disorder and which bicycles are suitable for different diseases.

Do you have any questions?

We are happy to assist you! Please check our contact page or contact us directly using the options below.

Cycling together with dementia | Van Raam (2024)

FAQs

What are 3 things to never do with your loved one with dementia? ›

I'm going to discuss five of the most basic ones here: 1) Don't tell them they are wrong about something, 2) Don't argue with them, 3) Don't ask if they remember something, 4) Don't remind them that their spouse, parent or other loved one is dead, and 5) Don't bring up topics that may upset them.

Is cycling good for dementia? ›

Research has shown that exercise is good for people with dementia. Moving ensures that the mental deterioration slows down. You improve your thinking skills, restlessness, passivity and your blood circulation with exercise.

What is the best exercise for dementia? ›

This includes everyday activities such as walking, gardening or dancing, as well as sports and exercises with the specific aim of improving fitness. This page explains why being physically active is important for people with dementia.

What 3 skills are most essential for dealing with clients who have dementia? ›

Communication with a person with Alzheimer's requires patience, understanding and good listening skills. The strategies below can help both you and the person with dementia understand each other better.

What 2 personality traits are linked to dementia? ›

The researchers found that high scores on negative traits (neuroticism, negative affect) and low scores on positive traits (conscientiousness, extraversion, positive affect) were associated with a higher risk of a dementia diagnosis.

What makes dementia patients happy? ›

Like games, puzzles are a go-to when you're looking for activities for dementia patients. Not only do puzzles help stimulate the brain, but they also provide social interactions that can help patients and caregivers create positive emotional connections.

What is the one thing to avoid dementia? ›

Stay connected with family and friends. Connecting with people and engaging in social activities can prevent social isolation and loneliness, which are linked to higher risks for cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.

What is the #1 way to reduce dementia? ›

There are things you can do to reduce your own risk of developing dementia. These include keeping active, eating healthily and exercising your mind. There is a lot of evidence that lifestyle choices can affect our risk of developing dementia.

What speeds up dementia? ›

other long-term health problems – dementia tends to progress more quickly if the person is living with other conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure, particularly if these are not well-managed.

Should you let a dementia patient sleep all day? ›

It can be hard to stay awake during the day after a poor night's sleep but, if possible, it's best to try to limit sleep during the day to small bursts or 'catnaps'. Otherwise the person's body clock can become very confused and this makes sleeping well during the night even harder.

Does strengthening your legs reduce dementia? ›

Strength-building activity works your major muscles (legs, back, stomach, shoulders, arms). This helps you to do everyday tasks. This type of activity also helps you to control the level of sugars in your blood and reduce your risk of diabetes, which is a risk factor for dementia.

How do you stop dementia from progressing? ›

However, there are seven pillars for a brain-healthy lifestyle that are within your control:
  1. Regular exercise.
  2. Social engagement.
  3. Healthy diet.
  4. Mental stimulation.
  5. Quality sleep.
  6. Stress management.
  7. Vascular health.
Feb 5, 2024

What 3 words are mispronounced before dementia? ›

The words are apple, penny, and table.

What are the three golden rules of dementia? ›

Q: What Are the Three Golden Rules of Dementia? A: The three golden rules of dementia are as follows: don't ask direct questions, listen to the person with dementia (and learn from them), and don't try to contradict them.

What is the number one trigger for dementia behavior? ›

Three of the most common types of behavioral triggers in dementia patients are confusion, pain or discomfort, and a changing or overwhelming environment.

What do dementia eyes look like? ›

You can't tell whether someone has dementia by looking in their eyes. However, vision loss commonly occurs among people with dementia. It's not clear whether vision loss causes dementia or vice versa. It may be that both sight loss and dementia are more common among older adults.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Prof. Nancy Dach

Last Updated:

Views: 5444

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Prof. Nancy Dach

Birthday: 1993-08-23

Address: 569 Waelchi Ports, South Blainebury, LA 11589

Phone: +9958996486049

Job: Sales Manager

Hobby: Web surfing, Scuba diving, Mountaineering, Writing, Sailing, Dance, Blacksmithing

Introduction: My name is Prof. Nancy Dach, I am a lively, joyous, courageous, lovely, tender, charming, open person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.