My name is Liana and I am a physiotherapy student from Edinburgh Napier University. I am with Alzheimer Scotland for 8 weeks on a student placement and as part this, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Edinburgh Memory Walk on the 6th of September 2026. Although I have spent the last few weeks learning more about dementia and the ways physiotherapy can support people living with the condition, being involved at the Memory Walk gave me a different perspective. It reminded me that dementia is about so much more than a diagnosis. It is about people, relationships, memories, and communities coming together (Hennelly and O’Shea, 2021).
The Memory Walk brought together people of all ages and abilities, with many walking in memory of someone they had lost, to support someone currently living with dementia, or simply to show their support in raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer Scotland. One of the things that stood out to me was how personal the event felt. Everyone had their own reason for being there, volunteers included, but there was a real sense of togetherness throughout the day.
As a physiotherapy student, I naturally noticed the importance of movement. However, what struck me most wasn’t really about exercise in the traditional sense. People were walking, talking, laughing, remembering, and spending time together. It showed me that movement can have a wider purpose than improving strength, balance, or fitness (Lam et al., 2018). For many people, being active can provide an opportunity to connect with others, get outdoors, and feel a part of something (Choi et al., 2025).
This is something that I have increasingly noticed throughout my placement with Alzheimer Scotland. When we talk about physical activity and dementia, it can be easy to focus on the health benefits – maintaining mobility, strength, balance, and independence (Lam et al., 2018). These are of course important, but there are also social and emotional benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked. A short walk with a friend, dancing to a favourite song, or taking part in a group activity can be just as meaningful as a structured exercise programme.
Volunteering at the Memory Walk has also made me reflect on person-centred care. Everyone attending the event was different, with their own experiences, abilities, and reasons for taking part. There wasn’t one ‘right’ way to participate. Some people walked quickly whilst others took their time, and others simply enjoyed being there and soaking up the atmosphere. It was a great reminder that supporting someone with dementia means understanding the person rather than focusing solely on their condition (Hennelly and O’Shea, 2021).
The Memory Walk also highlighted the importance of community. Dementia can sometimes be associated with isolation, but events like this create opportunities for people to come together and feel supported. Walking Scotland is a charity that runs walking groups all over Scotland to promote the benefits of walking on our physical, social, and mental health. They also run specific dementia friendly walking groups. You can find out more information about these and find a local walk to you at www.walkingscotland.org.uk.
As a future physiotherapist, I think it is important to recognise the role that community activities and social connections can play alongside traditional healthcare (Choi et al., 2025).
Most importantly, volunteering reminded me of why I enjoy physiotherapy. Movement isn’t about muscles and joints or improving a set of clinical measures. It can help people stay independent, participate in activities they enjoy, and maintain connections with the people around them (Choi et al., 2025).
I am grateful that my placement with Alzheimer Scotland has given me opportunities to see this in real life. As I move towards graduating and starting my career, I hope to take these lessons with me. I want to remember that behind every diagnosis is a person with their own story, interests, and goals, and that sometimes, helping someone to move isn’t just about improving their physical health, but helping them to keep doing what makes their life meaningful.
Contributor: Liana Mitchell, Edinburgh Napier University, Physiotherapy Student
Enjoyed this blog? Tell us more. We love feedback.
Please spend 1 minute completing this short anonymous feedback form to allow us to make our blog posts even better in 2026. Thank you
AHP Let’s Talk About Dementia Blog Feedback Form – Fill out form
References:
Choi, N. et al. (2025) Social Participation and Psychological Well-Being Among Other Adults with Dementia, Dementia (London), 29, https://doi.org/10.1177/14713012251375273.
Hennelly, N. and O’Shea, E. (2021) A Multiple Perspective View of Personhood in Dementia, Ageing & Society, 42 (9), 2103-2121, https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X20002007.
Lam, F. et al. (2018) Physical Exercise Improved Strength, Balance, Mobility, and Endurance in People with Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: A Systemic Review, J Physiother, 64 (1), 4-15, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phys.2017.12.001.
