Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. Although its progression cannot be halted, evidence suggests that stimulating activities for Alzheimer patients can help them stay connected to those around them as well as their own identities.
Active involvement in an activity can create positive emotions in the patient, such as fond memories, closeness to others, and a sense of purpose. Dementia often produces feelings of isolation or disconnectedness in those who suffer from it, by participating in a simple game, song, or even chore they can experience joy and a feeling of accomplishment.
Different patients have varying interests and skill levels which dictate the ideal activities for them to get involved in. It is necessary that each task be kept safe, easy, and without correction if they falter. People who demonstrate preferences for certain activities, and tend to cooperate more willingly at a particular time of day, may appreciate a schedule which takes these factors into consideration.
If the person had a hobby which he or she enjoyed in the past, it can be reintroduced in a simpler form. Performing the familiar action can help them recall the satisfaction associated with it. Exercise and time outdoors can also be therapeutic. It need not be strenuous to boost endorphins and give one a sense of well-being, just a walk, some yoga or Tai Chi moves, or swimming work well.
Games can help patients remember the names of objects and keep thinking skills sharp. Choosing items of interest to the person and having him or her name them, or sorting them by category can be effective for this purpose. Visiting a store and matching items to those on coupons, cutting photos into puzzles and having the patient assemble them, and even a basic game of catch with a large, soft ball can all boost cognitive and motor skills.
Helping patients feel that they are needed and helpful can do a lot for their sense of self-worth. If they are assigned basic household tasks each day such as assisting with meal preparation, sweeping, washing dishes, or folding linens, it can help them feel as though they are a valued team member. This concept can also be taken a step further by having the person help with a canned good or toy drive for the needy.
Reminiscing about the past can also be pleasurable for patients and helps them stay connected to the people, places, and events which have shaped their lives. This can be accomplished by conversation, looking through photo albums or memorabilia the person has saved, or by keeping a book or written stories of their life and reading it with them. Music is also a powerful memory trigger which can be enjoyed by singing along, listening to favorite songs, and even dancing.
Pets can add a lot of happiness to the lives of patients; whether it's the affection shown by a friendly dog or cat, or simply watching the antics and bright colors of fish in an aquarium or caged birds. Alzheimer's disease doesn't impair the senses, and most patients also enjoy a relaxing massage with lotion, shave, or a manicure and pedicure.
Active involvement in an activity can create positive emotions in the patient, such as fond memories, closeness to others, and a sense of purpose. Dementia often produces feelings of isolation or disconnectedness in those who suffer from it, by participating in a simple game, song, or even chore they can experience joy and a feeling of accomplishment.
Different patients have varying interests and skill levels which dictate the ideal activities for them to get involved in. It is necessary that each task be kept safe, easy, and without correction if they falter. People who demonstrate preferences for certain activities, and tend to cooperate more willingly at a particular time of day, may appreciate a schedule which takes these factors into consideration.
If the person had a hobby which he or she enjoyed in the past, it can be reintroduced in a simpler form. Performing the familiar action can help them recall the satisfaction associated with it. Exercise and time outdoors can also be therapeutic. It need not be strenuous to boost endorphins and give one a sense of well-being, just a walk, some yoga or Tai Chi moves, or swimming work well.
Games can help patients remember the names of objects and keep thinking skills sharp. Choosing items of interest to the person and having him or her name them, or sorting them by category can be effective for this purpose. Visiting a store and matching items to those on coupons, cutting photos into puzzles and having the patient assemble them, and even a basic game of catch with a large, soft ball can all boost cognitive and motor skills.
Helping patients feel that they are needed and helpful can do a lot for their sense of self-worth. If they are assigned basic household tasks each day such as assisting with meal preparation, sweeping, washing dishes, or folding linens, it can help them feel as though they are a valued team member. This concept can also be taken a step further by having the person help with a canned good or toy drive for the needy.
Reminiscing about the past can also be pleasurable for patients and helps them stay connected to the people, places, and events which have shaped their lives. This can be accomplished by conversation, looking through photo albums or memorabilia the person has saved, or by keeping a book or written stories of their life and reading it with them. Music is also a powerful memory trigger which can be enjoyed by singing along, listening to favorite songs, and even dancing.
Pets can add a lot of happiness to the lives of patients; whether it's the affection shown by a friendly dog or cat, or simply watching the antics and bright colors of fish in an aquarium or caged birds. Alzheimer's disease doesn't impair the senses, and most patients also enjoy a relaxing massage with lotion, shave, or a manicure and pedicure.
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