Caregivers

Activities for people with Alzheimer’s disease

Posted by Debbie Pilson in category on January 05, 2012

Just because someone has dementia or Alzheimer's disease doesn't mean he or she cannot still enjoy things.  They may have memory impairment, but usually long-term memory is still good.  Bring out old photo albums.  Reminisce.  The person will likely tell you who some of the people are in these old pictures.  Ask them to tell you a story about the person.  Whether the story is true or not is beside the point.  The goal is to enjoy this time with your loved one.  As I say often, "go to their world; don't expect them to come to yours."  But you can enjoy their world.  Look for the humor; laugh together.  Watch them come alive as they are talking about memories from years ago. 

Play music especially songs and hymns from long ago.  Music is powerful in triggering memories or feeling a certain way.  They probably will sing along and know most of the words.  Remember, it's the short-term memory that's most affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.  Don't even ask someone what they had for lunch or what they did today.  That could be causing some embarrassment because they can't remember.  They may make something up or tell you they didn't have anything to eat or they didn't  do anything, because their mind is blank on those types of questions.  Go way back in their memory.  Because they've lost most or all of their short-term memory, they think they are now 22 years old or 16, depending on how far they've gone in their history and what year they think it is now.  This is OKAY!!!  Don't try to correct.  That will only cause frustration on both parts.

Sorry, I got sidetracked.  Back to activities.  Position "mom's chair" so she can look out the window onto a bird feeder.  Bird watching is a favorite activity of a lot of people.  

People with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia often like repetitive activities such as folding laundry, matching socks, putting things together, sweeping, raking, setting or clearing the table.  These types of repetitive activities can help make a person feel useful and productive.

People with Alzheimer's also like a consistent routine.  Routine is calming to a person.  Change is often confusing, thus upsetting.  A daily routine with personal care activities and meals help to structure the person's day.  Encourage your loved one to do what he/she can for for himself.  Help with cues--verbal & physical.  Be ready to jump in and help further when your loved one reaches the point of not being able to carry something all the way through.  Don't belittle or act frustrated.  Be calm and in a soothing voice let the person know you're there to offer a little assistance.  Protecting the pride and dignity of anyone is important, especially someone with Alzheimer's or dementia.  

If someone gets anxious or restless, a spur-of-the-moment invitation to take a walk with you may help distract or diffuse the situation.  Or get them involved in one of the activities mentioned above.

Art can be a form of expression.  Someone doesn't have to be an artist (even though there are times the artistic self does come out).  Drawing, painting, coloring, making or building something, working with clay can be used to stimulate the mind.  Planting flowers or a vegetable garden can be stimulating.  Watching it grow, then harvesting and cooking can be productive as well as evoke memories.  

Exercise with your loved one...guiding him or her through stretching exercises, light strength building, and balance exercises  (holding onto a chair).  

So there's lots of things to enjoy together.  Help your loved one have a good day and you will more than likely have one too!!