Caring is stressful, and even mild stress over the long term, affects your physical and mental health. It is very important that you look after your physical and mental health when supporting a person with dementia.
Even small, consistent actions can make a big difference to your wellbeing.
If your health breaks down, it can mean you are no longer able to support your person. Taking action now to maintain or improve your health will help you both to move forward, positively.
Why physical health matters for your brain
Keeping physically healthy improves blood and oxygen flow to the brain, and supports mood, sleep, and daily functioning. People who exercise regularly often find they can think more clearly, move more easily, and manage stress better. This is a powerful way to protect your own health and avoid burnout.
Move every day, in a way that works for you
You don’t necessarily need to go to the gym to be active. Try brisk walking, dancing, cycling, swimming, or even turning daily tasks (such as vacuuming, gardening, or climbing stairs) into exercise. You might find it easier and more enjoyable to exercise together. Try a community fitness class or join a local walking group. Doing exercise with the person you support can make it feel less like a chore and more like shared time out.
Antonio and Sheila found an Australian Heart Foundation walking group in their area. They found people had different abilities and walks were planned to cater to different fitness and stamina levels. Antonio, who has Alzheimer’s, found the companionship of other men in the group quite uplifting and Shelia found new friends. She said “It doesn’t feel like ‘exercise’ it is more like an outing and we both love the social coffee afterwards!”
Eat well, rest well
Think of food as fuel for your brain and body. Eating regular, balanced meals with vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps maintain energy and supports your brain chemicals that affect mood and thinking.
Sleep also plays a vital role in good health. During deep sleep, your brain clears out metabolic waste and consolidates memories. Aim for around eight hours a night. If you’re sleeping much less or much more, or feeling tired even after sleep, check in with your doctor.
Build healthy habits, not pressure
Start where you are. If you’ve fallen out of routine, begin with small steps – a 10-minute walk, a few stretches while the kettle boils, or swapping one processed snack for fruit. Celebrate what you do, don’t dwell on what you don’t.
If you have health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis, make sure you stay on top of your regular GP check-ups, medications, and care plans.
Remember: your wellbeing is shared.
Caring for yourself is not selfish, it’s essential. Looking after your own health helps you care more sustainably and helps your loved one live well with dementia. Think of it as teamwork: when one of you thrives, you both do.
This section of the website explores ways of supporting or improving your wellbeing. We discuss physical health through exercise, eating well and resting well, as well as building emotional resilience and practicing self-care. Your brain and body work best when you move regularly, eat well, and rest properly. Looking after yourself helps you maintain the energy, patience, and resilience to support your person.
Browse the articles to learn evidence-based ways to work on the physical and emotional health of both of you.
