It can be difficult to find activities for loved ones with early-stage Alzheimer’s or other dementia. However, it is important to realize that there are many ways to stay connected with people you love, even when their memories have started to slip away. The following are some ideas about how to keep your loved one at the moment, more often.
Best Alzheimer Activities for Your Loved Ones
Listen to Music Together
Music has an amazing ability to help us reconnect with others and ourselves. It is important to remember that the part of the brain responsible for processing music is not targeted by Alzheimer’s disease-like other areas of memory are. You can make new memories together by listening to your favorite tunes! If you want to take it a step further, you can even sing or play a guitar together.
Encourage Exercise Together
Being physically active is crucial for people with Alzheimer’s who wish to remain independent and maintain their quality of life. In fact, doctors recommend that people with dementia stay active as one way to make it more likely that they will retain their decision-making skills.
Play Games
Playing games is a fun and easy way to connect with your loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease. Even if he or she cannot name cards as easily as he could before, you can still play simple card games like Go Fish! If you tap into your loved one’s past, he may be able to remember his childhood stash of marbles or a favorite board game.
Bring Out the Scrapbook
Write down your family history and share it with your loved one. Take turns reading it together, or show him old photos of family members – he may remember something new about a person or place that you’ve forgotten! Make time to talk with your loved one. Reminiscing about shared memories can be very meaningful and rewarding for both of you, especially when they start to fade away. Even if it feels like he’s not listening, hold onto hope that many of his long-term memories are intact!
In conclusion, if your loved one is living with Alzheimer Activities or dementia, it is best to be patient and allow them the time they need to process information. Keep connected by finding activities that speak to their interests and using familiar cues from the past. You can also ask your doctor for more guidance on how to best interact with your loved one and which activities are best suited to their needs.
