Award Date: 2017

Project Lead(s): Mary Schulz, Director, Education

Project Title: Minds in Motion®: Nurturing the well-being of Canadians with dementia through fitness and social activity

What is the issue? 

People with dementia are often excluded from community recreational programs due to the stigma of having cognitive issues and/or needing support. As a result, they don’t have a chance to benefit from physical activity and can become socially isolated.  

Minds in Motion® is a social program that incorporates physical activity and mental stimulation for people with early to mid-stage dementia and their care partners. The program runs once a week for eight weeks at a community centre. It provides participants with an opportunity for physical activity and to socialize with others who are living with similar experiences. The activities can be adapted to suit all abilities. 

What did we do? 

We ran the Minds in Motion® program in 29 communities in four provinces, in collaboration with 12 local Alzheimer Societies.  

What did we find?  

More than 1,000 individuals with dementia and care partners completed 75 programs. More than 100 volunteers and 37 community partners helped make the program successful. Community partners included wellness centres, seniors centres, YMCAs, churches, local community centres, and sports and wellness clubs.