According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2023, as many as 6.7 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, affects memory, thinking, and behavior. As the disease progresses, it becomes increasingly challenging for families to feel like they’re still able to connect with their loved one. However, participating in activities they love is one way for families to stay connected, and it’s beneficial for everyone involved.
Meaningful activities can improve the quality of life of people with Alzheimer’s disease. These activities stimulate their minds, evoke memories, provide emotional support, and opportunities for social interaction. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best memory care activities for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
7 best activities for people with Alzheimer’s disease
1. Spend time outdoors
Nature is beneficial to our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Studies have shown that nature can reduce stress, increase creativity and empathy, and improve communication.
In addition, outdoor activities can stimulate new connections in areas of the brain responsible for speech processing, coordination, problem-solving, and emotional reasoning, which can benefit people with dementia.
Below are some ideas for supervised outdoor activities you can plan for someone with Alzheimer's disease:
- Walking
- Gardening
- Birdwatching
- Picnics
2. Exercise
Physical activity is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise improves physical and mental health and mood. Recent studies have shown that exercise may reduce and possibly slow cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease. A leisurely walk inside or out, stretching, or yoga can be incorporated into their daily routine.
3. Listen to and dance along to music
We’ve all heard a song that immediately brought up an old memory. Music has powerful effects on the brain. Music evokes strong emotions and memories, which can be therapeutic for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Pull out your albums or ask your smart speaker to play something by a favorite artist. Work up a sweat with an impromptu dancing. Listening to familiar or favorite songs of a loved one can improve their mood and trigger memories.
4. Read
Reading to someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, especially if they’re book lovers. Reading a favorite book or the newspaper or listening to an audiobook can stimulate the mind and provide comfort.
5. Reminisce over family photos
Family photos are a fun and easy way for the entire family to enjoy time with someone with Alzheimer’s disease, especially during holidays and family celebrations. Family photos are one of the best ways to evoke cherished memories.
6. Solve puzzles and play games
Cognitive activities like playing board games, cards, and puzzles provide social and mental stimulation for people with dementia. Choose favorite games that are challenging but not frustrating. Games that involve sorting, matching, or sequencing can be particularly beneficial.
7. Embrace family traditions
Celebrating family traditions like listening to holiday music, baking cookies or decorating during the holidays, coloring easter eggs with grandkids, carving pumpkins, or grilling during the summer months can provide social entertainment and enjoyment.
Wrap-up
Engaging individuals with Alzheimer’s disease in meaningful and stimulating activities is essential for their cognitive and emotional well-being. By incorporating various memory care activities into their daily routine, family members can spend quality time with loved ones, improve their quality of life, provide moments of joy, and build and maintain connections.
Contact a helpful advisor for more information on Allegro’s Ensemble memory care communities. Download our free “Choosing the Right Community” guide for helpful guidance on picking the right senior living community for your loved one.
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