Qigong at the Forget Me Not Club

This programme of specially selected Qigong movements was initiated in 2004. It has been further developed during subsequent years of holding weekly classes for people with dementia under the auspices of a local charity, the Forget Me Not Club (www.forgetmenotclub.co.uk).

A class member commented: “It was for the physical side that I came initially. I didn’t realise how much it would help me mentally. I feel normal – I forget that I’ve got dementia.” (Mrs HL).

In 2009 a joint study was conducted by NHS Occupational Therapy, Royal Cornhill Hospital, Aberdeen and Take A Seat® - Qigong for Dementia, supported by Alzheimer Scotland (1). The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate the response of people with dementia to a series of Qigong exercise classes. Pre and post test evaluations were recorded, as were observations and participant feedback. The evaluation was by 1) MOHOST (Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool) a standardised occupational therapy assessment 2) measurement of participants’ pulse and blood pressure pre and post exercise and 3) participants’ own account of their personal experience.

The Qigong study group 2009

The findings of this study indicate that the programme can help to maintain and retrain bi-lateral co-ordination, proprioception, concentration, spatial awareness and skilled movement. It was also noted that a sense of self awareness, personal confidence, relaxation and social skills were enhanced.

Research has shown that exercise can support and maintain brain plasticity (2). It has been found that this programme of Qigong can provide a reproducible exercise for people with dementia that can be practised either standing or seated.

• Alzheimer Scotland Conference, Glasgow - June 2010 - Dementia Awareness Week.
  Scotland’s Dementia Strategy – Making it Work for People
• Dementia Services Development Centre - 4th International Conference, London - October 2010.
  Coming of Age: Dementia in the 21st Century

References:
1. “The Effects of Qigong Exercises on People with Dementia – A Study”: Carole Milligan – Take A Seat®; Iona Parkinson – Lead Occupational Therapist, Old Age Psychiatry, NHS Grampian, Journal of Dementia Care January/February 2011 (Vol 19 No 1).

2. "Exercise: A behavioural intervention to enhance brain health and plasticity": Carl W Cotman, Nicole C Berchtold - Trends in Neuroscience 2002 Vol:25, Issue 6.

Please direct enquiries to Carole Milligan Tel: 07808 671789 (m)

Email: carole@takeaseat.org.uk

©carolemilligan2011