Dementia Alzheimer’s Activities That Stimulate The Mind

By Alan B

August 18, 2022

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Fun Activities For Elderly Dementia Patients

What is dementia?

If you’re looking for activities for dementia patients, we have you covered!

Weve assembled a wide range of activities, including:

Sensory activities for dementia patients
Creative activities for dementia patients
Group activities for dementia patients and
Cognitive activities for dementia patients

Daily Activities Or Household Chores

Dementia patients want to feel a sense of independence. We all do. While it can be tempting to step in and take over all home care and household chores, you should encourage your loved one to complete these safe activities:

Fold laundry: Folding laundry is a nearly failure-free activity that can give a dementia patient a sense of accomplishment .
Untie or tie knots: If the individual has shoes with laces, tying or untying knots can help improve mobility in their hands.
Loading the dishwasher: If dishes need to be washed, this could be a task they can do on their own .

Host A Singalong Or Play Some Of Their Favorite Music

Music has been proven to provide mental stimulation and ease the minds of seniors with Alzheimers and dementia. It can soothe and calm behavior by reducing agitation and irritability. Even in the later stages of memory loss, music can help jog memory in the form of lyrics and certain tunes.

If you know what your loved one likes to listen to, start there. Make sure the volume isnt too loud and that there arent too many outside distractions such as the television. You can play softer music to promote tranquility, or a more upbeat song that can evoke memories. Clapping and a bit of dancing to the beat allows for slight physical activity that they can further benefit from.

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The Timing Must Be Right

In order to ensure success in activities for dementia patients, the timing has to be just right.

People suffering from dementia can be unpredictable, so be prepared to be flexible and patient.

Pay attention to times when the person seems:

Make sure that your loved one isnt preoccupied, so they can fully focus on the activity. If the time is not right, switch gears and try a less-stressful activity.

When the timing is right, pick a clutter-free area away from noise and distractions.

As you are planning activities for dementia patients, it can also help to consider the time of day. For instance, choose calm and relaxing activities, like listening to music, around bedtime.

And remember, an activity that was a great success one day may not receive the same welcome the next.

The key is to focus on the needs of your loved one and be ready to move on to a new activity, if necessary.

Top Ten Alzheimers Signs And Symptoms

Memory loss A person begins to forget more often and is unable to recall the information later.

Difficulty performing familiar tasks Individuals may lose track of the steps involved in preparing a meal, placing a telephone call, or playing a game.

Problems with language People with Alzheimers disease often forget simple words or substitute unusual words, making their speech or writing hard to understand.

Disorientation to time and place People with Alzheimers can become lost in their own neighborhood, forget where they are and how they got there, and not know how to get home.

Poor or decreased judgment Those with Alzheimers may dress inappropriately, or show poor judgment, like giving away large sums of money to telemarketers.

Problems with abstract thinking Someone with Alzheimers disease may have unusual difficulty performing complex mental tasks, like forgetting what numbers are for and how they should be used.

Misplacing things A person with Alzheimers may put things in unusual places: an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.

Change in mood or behavior Someone with Alzheimers disease may show rapid mood swings for no apparent reason.

Changes in personality The personalities of people with dementia can change dramatically. They may become extremely confused, suspicious, fearful, or dependent on a family member.

Source: Top 10 Alzheimers Signs & Symptoms from The Fisher Center for Alzheimers Research

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Word And Number Games

Word games can be both relaxing and mentally stimulating. Crossword puzzles, for instance, are great for word retrieval language and reading skills. In addition, sudoku puzzles are good for critical thinking. Brain puzzles at any cognitive level help boost your loved ones problem solving and memory skills.

What Science Has Shown About Game Playing And Cognition

While long-term research is still needed to determine whether specific games can play a role in keeping the brain healthy and how or if timing is a factor preliminary studies appear to show a link between game playing and lower risk or delay of at least one type of age-related memory loss.

Mentally stimulating activities like using a computer, playing games, crafting, and participating in social activities are linked to a lower risk or delay of age-related memory loss called mild cognitive impairment , and the timing and number of these activities may also be important, according to a study published in August 6, 2019, in Neurology.

Researchers found that engaging in social activities, such as going to the movies or going out with friends, or playing games in both middle age and later life, were associated with a 20 percent lower risk of developing MCI. In addition, the more activities people engaged in during later life, the less likely they were to develop MCI.

That said, study authors point out that the study is observational, so its not possible to determine a cause-and-effect relationship. Its possible that instead of the activities lowering a persons risk, a person with mild cognitive impairment simply may not be able to participate in these activities as often. So further research is needed to investigate these findings.

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Scrapbook And Organize Old Photos

Similar to puzzle solving, taking old photos and sorting them into an easy-to-view scrapbook keeps the mind busy and allows for a time to reminisce any old memories that may surface.

Itll spark conversation, which may allow for stories youve not heard before! Reminisce therapy is an actual form that uses sight, smell, and sound, to help seniors break through memory loss and get in touch with the past. Photographs are a great visual to use to connect with your loved one and have that quality time together.

Activities Can Give Relaxation And Pleasure

Your Amazing Brain – Dementia Explained – Alzheimer’s Research UK

A person with dementia may enjoy an outing, even if they do not remember where they have been. What is important is that the moment is enjoyed, even though the experience may be soon forgotten.Simple and unhurried activities are best. Give the time and space necessary to allow the person to do as much as possible. Focus on one thing at a time. Communicate one instruction at a time. Break down activities into simple, manageable steps.

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Read Their Favourite Book

If your loved one loved to read but is now struggling to do that, you could read them their favourite book. You can even let them listen to their favourite book, or new books, on tape or as an audiobook. This can be a better alternative to television if they dont find television stimulating or are no longer able to read themselves.

Sensory Activities For Dementia Patients: Activity Ideas For Seniors

Esther Kane Dementia Info

A lot of family members dont know how to deal with an older adult who has dementia or Alzheimers disease. People suffering from these can become agitated and restless, making it difficult for them to participate in everyday activities. Sensory activities can help calm and focus these adults by providing a stimulating experience that engages their senses.

Sensory activities are a great way to stimulate the senses and provide much needed interaction for seniors with dementia. There are a variety of different sensory activities that can be used, depending on the persons interests and abilities.

Listening to music or participating in musical activities can be very therapeutic for seniors with dementia. Music can be an effective way to reduce anxiety and agitation, and can also provide a sense of calm and relaxation. Especially if they can listen to some of their favorite songs.

If you are providing home care for your senior loved one suffering from dementia or Alzheimers, continue reading this article on ideas how you can provide sensory activities for them.

What Is A Sensory Room?

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Create A Supportive Environment For Caregivers

We say this as lightheartedly as possible. Navigating a relationship with a loved one who has dementia can be tough. There will be days where a supposedly fun activity does not go according to plan which can be frustrating for you and your loved one.

These things happen particularly if your loved one is in the late stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia. During these times, it’s important to have a supportive network for you, the caregiver. As a caregiver, remember you are allowed to have some reprieve, from a local support group or other assistance.

What Are Sensory Activities For Dementia Patients

15 Best Brain Exercises to Prevent Alzheimers and Dementia

As dementia progresses, patients may experience memory loss. However, sensory activities can help to stimulate the mind and provide a sense of calm and relaxation.

Sensory activities are designed to stimulate the senses and provide much needed interaction for seniors with dementia or Alzheimers. There are a variety of different sensory activities that can be used, depending on the persons interests and abilities.

Basically, sensory stimulation is the act of stimulating any of the 5 senses by using everyday objects to evoke emotions and memories. The methods used and what they are meant for are

Music uses the sense of hearing
Aromatic flowers uses the sense of smell
Favorite food uses the sense of taste
Physical object uses the sense of touch

This can help them feel safe and relax and may improve their mood, self-esteem and well-being.

Sensory activities can also help to evoke positive feelings and emotions. For many seniors with dementia, the ability to experience positive emotions can be greatly diminished.

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Exercise And Physical Activity

Exercise and physical activity can have lots of benefits for people with dementia. It can help regulate their sleep and prevent restlessness and sleeplessness in the evening. It can also help maintain a positive mood and lower the risk of them developing depression.

Physical activities may include:

Walking around their neighbourhood or a local park
Depending on age and fitness, you could try tandem biking
Water aerobics health and fitness centres often have workshops and classes specifically for elderly people or people with dementia

It Creates A Sense Of Normalcy And Structure

Developing a routine is vital in the life of a person with dementia. As dementia progresses, individuals may begin to feel increasingly frustrated with the gradual loss of their cognitive abilities. This may cause undesirable behaviours such as restlessness, agitation, and even aggression in some cases.

While most forms of dementia are irreversible, these are some ways that games can slow down the decline of ones cognitive functions.

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Can Brain Exercises Help Dementia

Among seniors, theres a theory of use it or lose it, which means that by abandoning skills or abilities through inactivity, those skills could disappear. This report from Todays Geriatric Medicine discussed the very concept.

According to the report, recent advances in brain science have provided clear evidence that the brain continuously shrinks and expands depending on our experiences.

The Alzheimers Society, a UK organization, also confirms what Todays Geriatric Medicine found.

Their research shows that brain training and other areas of cognitive training can benefit the cognitive function and memory abilities of older adults. The organization defines brain training as games like bespoke computer games, Sudoku, and crossword puzzles.

However, the Alzheimers Society is clear that while these games can be a great way to help boost cognitive health in those who already have dementia or Alzheimers, playing brain games and mental exercises alone cannot prevent memory loss or the onset of these diseases.

In fact, an article in Todays Geriatric Medicine talked about how the Federal Trade Commission has issued a warning that the surge in brain-training sessions and games has resulted in fraudulent claims that have preyed on consumers fears.

Check out our Activity Calendar For Seniors With Dementia article for some ideas on stimulating and engaging activities to do with your loved one.

Reminiscing Activities For Dementia Patients At Home

How Alzheimer’s Changes the Brain

Reminiscence therapy uses sensory or visual cues from the past to help seniors reconnect with positive memories. Instead of asking direct questions that could be confusing or stressful, try gentle guidance. For example, if youre looking at childhood photos, ask generally about growing up rather than where an image was taken.

Look through photo albums. Photo albums with pictures from your loved ones childhood or young adulthood can bring back favorite memories. You can also scan or take digital pictures of old photos to create books.

Watch old movies and TV showsDid your aging parent grow up watching westerns like Gunsmoke or My Darling Clementine? Did they prefer musicals like The King and I or Singing in the Rain? You can find old favorites at your local library or streaming online. Add some movie snacks for a fun family activity!

Listen to music and singMusic can awaken the brain, and with it, the rich trove of memories that are associated with familiar songs, according to the nonprofit group Music and Memory. Stream classics or sing memorable songs like holiday carols. Sing-alongs and music classes were more common in mid-century schools you might be surprised at how many songs your loved one remembers from childhood.

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Getting Started On An Exercise Program

Suggestions to start an exercise program for a person with dementia include:

Talk with the persons doctor and organise a full medical check-up. Other health conditions, such as arthritis or high blood pressure, may limit the types of exercises the person with dementia can safely perform.
A physiotherapist can design an exercise program that takes the persons current health and abilities into account.
Start slowly. For example, perhaps five minutes of continuous exercise is all the person can manage at first. Over a period of months, add one extra minute at a time until the person can comfortably exercise for 30 minutes.
Demonstrate the activity yourself and ask the person to follow your lead.
Boredom kills off motivation, so mix up the activities to keep it interesting.

Meaningful Activities For Seniors With Dementia

One of the most important lessons I learned when working with older adults suffering from dementia or Alzheimers disease was the value of meaningful activities.

Doing things that have personal significance not only provides purpose and satisfaction, but can also help to slow the progression of cognitive decline. Participating in activities that produce a sense of purpose is a fantastic way to spend your time.

Some examples of meaningful activities include:

Gardening either indoors or outdoors.
Cooking for themselves or the family.
Baking familiar items that they made when they were younger.
Sewing a simple product like an apron or a napkin.
Organizing a drawer, old photos, a tool box, etc.
Painting on a blank canvas or paint by number.
Drawing a still life or a person or pet.
Writing a story or a memory.
Playing music of any instrument they are familiar with.
Going for walks for exercise and fresh air.

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Why Is It Important To Keep Dementia Patients Engaged In Daily Activities

A daily routine with healthy activities is important for seniors of any age and especially vital for dementia patients. As dementia worsens over time, the person will find it more difficult to focus and struggle to learn new things. Having a routine in place early on helps give them structure that they find familiar. Additional benefits of having a routine that incorporates engaging activities for a loved one with dementia include:

Top Memory Games For Dementia

Activities for Individuals with Dementia

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Studies show the multiple benefits of cognitive-stimulating activities like memory-related games, both for overall brain health and for those with Alzheimers or dementia. Unfortunately, there are some conflicting reports about the efficacy of memory games for dementia, claiming they can slow the diseases progression. While nothing can stop or consistently slow the progression of these types of conditions, certain activities can help with a persons current state. . Additionally, brain games can be fun and provide beneficial social interaction for those with dementia and their caregivers.

We know that it can be challenging to come up with new activities if you have a loved one with dementia or Alzheimers. Our Dementia Resource Director, Libby Gilden, MPH and CDP, outlined some of the activities and games we use in our memory care community, Arbor. Try one of the following six types of memory games for dementia with your loved one.

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Keep Your Loved One Mentally And Physically Healthy With Fun Activities

Stimulating the brain with fun and interesting activities will keep the brain healthy for a longer period. The same can be said of the body the more physically active a person is, the longer theyll be strong and healthy.

We urge families make their physical and mental health a priority. Go on walks, ride your bike, or take a hike in the fresh air. Play fun, mentally stimulating games together. And always encourage each other to do all in your power to stay healthy.

Whether you or your loved one is receiving home care services or is in a senior daycare facility, remember with a little bit of daily effort, there is hope that full cognitive abilities may be engaged.

Does your loved one need a helping hand? Please contact us right away to see how we can help.

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