Alzheimer's Disease Activities

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eHow

Over 25 million people worldwide live with Alzheimer's disease. Bringing activities to those suffering brightens their day and makes life easier for their caregivers.
Activities keep their minds and bodies as sharp as possible in a fun way if correctly done.

Because of brain damage, people with Alzheimer's disease can display inappropriate behavior. They can show signs of depression. Make them happier with activities. In short improve the quality of life of those living with Alzheimer's disease

Why Activities

Activities are important for persons with Alzheimer's disease because those engaging in activities hold onto their remaining cognitive skills longer according to Dr. Paul Raia, Director of Patient Care and Family Support of the Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts Chapter. Cognitive skills include memory, logical thinking, concentration, reasoning, perception, and intuition. Activities provide mental stimulation and reminiscing opportunities. Activities give those with Alzheimer's disease a sense of purpose and self worth. People with Alzheimer's disease involved in activities have less problem behaviors and sleep better at night. Activities provide a social outlet. Socializing can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease according to the Rush Memory and Aging Project study.
Because success at activities improves the mood of people with Alzheimer's disease, depression is less likely.

Which Activities

The type of activities that persons with Alzheimer's disease do depends on their interests, past and present, and their skill level. Simple short activities are best. It is best to have a daily routine that has a lot of room for flexibility.

Engage the person in activities using life skills of former jobs he or she may have had. For example, if the person was a homemaker, she may enjoy folding clothes, setting the table, or preparing simple dishes. Participating in physical activities expends energy. We all benefit from being out in the great outdoors. The sunshine, the smells, the sounds bring back happy memories. Sunshine is a source of vitamin D. The article, "Does Vitamin D Reduce the Risk of Dementia?" by William B. Grant, Ph.D. published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease in May 2009, discusses how appropriate levels of vitamin D benefit persons with Alzheimer's disease.

Singing is good for the lungs. People with Alzheimer's disease sing the words to familiar songs even though they may not speak otherwise.
Many folks with Alzheimer's disease enjoy watching a musical program, video or movie that they can sing along with. They may need you to initiate the singing.
Simple arts and craft projects are a good outlet for self expression.
Playing simple adapted card games enhance memory.
Reciting familiar prayers and religious songs calm people with Alzheimer's disease if religion interested them in the past.
Looking at family photographs or pictures of babies or animals is an enjoyable activity as well.
Implementing Activities
Activities must be success oriented and failure free. Failing at an activity is not an option for persons with Alzheimer's disease. Do not ask,"Do you know who I am?" Instead introduce yourself.
Break activities down into small steps. Give directions using simple short sentences. Repeat the directions in the same way or simpler if necessary. Since attention spans are short, work on projects over several days.
Adapt and modify difficult activities they may have enjoyed.
Compliment often.
Never argue.
Be patient.

Enter their reality. Here is an example: If the person thinks........read all of Alzheimer's Disease Activities