Activities You Can Do with Someone Who Has Alzheimer's Disease
Listen to music
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Go for a walk
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Do arts and crafts projects
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Play a game
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Ask for help around the house
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Plant a garden
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Gentle exercise can help keep a person with Alzheimer’s disease active for as long as possible. A small 2011 study also suggests that it may help slow down cognitive decline.
You may want to look for nature walks with smooth, clear pathways or check out a local museum.
Go for a walk
Listening to music can help with relaxation and emotional wellness and may help reduce behavioral symptoms in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Finding music that your loved one likes to dance or move along with can also help keep them active.
Listen to music
Playing a game engages the mind and is a great way to connect with loved ones. You can work on a puzzle together or break out a board or card game with simple rules that are easy to follow.
Play a game
Art projects can help with creative self-expression and help people with Alzheimer’s disease reinforce their sense of identity. Try different types of projects — such as drawing, painting, or knitting — to find what they like best.
Adaptive tools, such as large crayons or ergonomic knitting needles, are available for adults with limited dexterity.
Do arts and crafts projects
Helping your loved one to continue doing everyday chores can foster a sense of purpose and self-esteem, which may help improve their mood.
Remember to focus on the process and not the results. Things may not be done perfectly. How the person feels about their efforts is what’s most important.
Ask for help around the house
Working together to plant a garden can engage their mind, build connections, and keep them active. Research has also found that spending time in nature can help improve brain health and mood.
Plant a garden
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