Hiking against dementia

Hiking slows down the cognition deterioration in dementia sufferers. Alzheimer Zug therefore organises regular guided hiking trips in the region.

Organised and accompanied hikes of Alzheimer Zug have been taking place now for more than two years. The freelance hiking guide Hans Osterwalder regularly sets up hiking routes around Zug, and sometimes also beyond the cantonal border. "We have already been to the Rigi, the Zugerberg, the Gottschalkenberg and Hochstuckli. The next hike will take place on 25 June, and will be going to the Freiamt (southern Aargau)," says Daniela Bigler Billeter, head of the Alzheimer Zug Business and Consulting Centre. Even though the hikers suffering from dementia often cannot remember exactly where they have been at the end of the day, they do know that they enjoyed it and are already looking forward to the next tour.

The participants are usually the same people, who take part regularly. "They usually recognise each other when they see each other again," explains Annemarie Baggenstos, former managing director of Alzheimer Zug, and one of the specialist companions of the hikes. There is a joy of reunion that cannot be described in detail. "Emotions are not lost during dementia. Hiking, for example, is associated with something very pleasing, and people remember it," says Bigler Billeter.

The organisation is very time-consuming and intensive
One of the main differences from a normal hiking group is the more complex organisation: "You do have to concentrate, to ensure that no-one gets lost," explains Baggenstos. And you can't just announce a meeting place - you have to pick up each of the participants at home. "It happens again and again that the registered person is not there at all, because they’ve forgotten the appointment, or are not yet ready to leave," says Baggenstos, a former nurse. Where necessary, the Spitex or the on-site companions of those people suffering from dementia who still live at home prepare them for the hike, or they support the family in preparing them.

The hiking group of Alzheimer Zug can take a maximum of twelve participants at a time.

As the implementation of a hiking day is so intensive, only a maximum of twelve people can participate. "We travel with our private cars, so we are already somewhat restricted in numbers. Together with all the professional companions, we have a total of 17 people," says Bigler Billeter. Like any other hiking group, they have a coffee together in the morning and discuss the hike, and can later enjoy a drink or a snack in the mountain restaurants. The hikes always take place close to a mountain railway or a car, just in case something happens. The hiking guide also offers a longer and a shorter hiking route, so that the participants can choose.

"The social competence of the affected persons is very high. You notice immediately when someone can't walk any more."

"They help each other, or take each other's backpacks," she continues. People with dementia live in a much more emotional world, and immediately notice if someone is missing from the group or has moved away from the others. They don’t remember many things, but experience the present intensively.

The idea for the hiking group came from Daniela Bigler Billeter. "People affected by dementia are often still physically fit and have an urge to move. That's what I wanted to include them." Hiking can slow down the deterioration of cognition. Alzheimer Zug didn't offer anything like this at the time, so Bigler Billeter worked out a concept, and the uncovered costs are financed by the Accentus Foundation. The hiking group is unique: "In other cantons, only walks or short hikes are offered." She could well imagine expanding the offer in the future: "Many people between the ages of 65 and 75 who are physically very fit could walk even more demanding routes. I would like to try to make further offers possible for them," says Daniela Bigler Billeter.

For more information and registrations for the hiking group, contact www.alz.ch/zg  or call 041 760 05 60.