For the same reason, certain martial arts where the exercizes are performed with sticks are also recommended because the patient can coordinate his/her moves more easily, which is of great benefit. Here, the recommended skills are kali, escrima, arnis etc. This type of practice adds to a better blood flow throughout the brain and it also stimulates growth and survival of brain cells.
Certain martial arts where a person spins around a stick or performs some easier movements with a stick are also recommended. If needed, the person can also lean onto the stick for a better balance. Apart from karate, tae kwon do, aikido and ko budo, some kung fu styles also use a stick. The French skill called la canne as well as certain English, Basque or Indian martial arts that use a stick should also be mentioned.
In order to keep a balanced posture as well as practicing to memorize certain moves in a sequence, apart from the already-mentioned Tai Chi skill, it is also recommended to practice some easier katas (forms) in karate, tae kwon do or kung fu. By slowly performing some easier katas or at least some of its parts, the patient will gain a better control over his/her apraxia as well as with disorientation. As dementia progresses, the physical ability to walk and do some regular daily chores such as dressing oneself and getting ready in the morning, decreases.
This is why it is important to choose those martial arts exercizes that will strengthen the patient's postural muscles, i.e. those muscles that contract in order to keep one's balance and overall posture. However, if strengthening them, one also needs to make sure he/she is stretching them properly so here is where practicing Tai Chi, karate, aikido, tae kwon do, kung fu and some other martial arts falls into place.
When choosing an exercize, martial arts masters should focus on the patient's weaker spots, such as developing upper leg strength or hip mobility. By gently performing leg kicks, the patient is developing balance on one leg which is a very useful exercize when it comes to this type of illness. This type of exercize is very present in the above-mentioned martial arts skills such as Tai Chi, karate (performing katas), tae kwon do,capoeira, or kung fu.
Additionally, if performing katas with an emphasis on a breathing technique, this can help a patient who has difficulty breathing, but also to facilitate pronouncing certain words that result in speaking difficulties. It is recommended to perform katas along with music because it can improve the patient's engagement, his/her social and emotional skills and abilities, decrease problematic behavior and act as a stimulant to regain some linguistic skills when dealing with dementia.
Also, this kind of exercize helps persons suffering from dementia thanks to a greater flow of oxygen into the brain. It is recommended that the patient counts the various kicks and punches in boxing, karate or tae kwon do.