Approximately four million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease; seven out of ten patients live at home. Most Alzheimer’s patients are able to participate in some personally rewarding activities until the final stages of the disease.
Alzheimer’s Symptoms Vary
Some Alzheimer’s patients may have memory impairment or physical disabilities, while some may have both. It is important for people with Alzheimer’s disease to practice simple, moderate, and moderately complex activities, especially those they enjoy.
Following are some of the benefits an Alzheimer’s patient may experience from planned activities:
- maintain memory
- maintain communication skills
- increase feelings of self-worth
- strengthen and maintain muscles
- enhance and maintain general health
- reduce muscle and joint pain
- maintain flexibility
- reduce nervous tension
- decrease repetitive behaviors
- decrease wandering
- provide better sleep
- enjoy happier daily life
Alzheimer’s Treatment Should Include Physical and Mental Activities
Certain games stimulate the brain and help maintain eye-hand coordination; the following examples exercise the fine motor and mental skills:
- Write or draw on an Etch-a-Sketch.
- Bingo is always fun; don’t forget the prize.
- Yahtzee is a great brain stimulator.
- Play with Play-Doh, great for dexterity.
- Dominoes can supply hours of varied fun and challenges.
- Enjoy the classic board games, Candyland and Uncle Wiggily.
This next list may help preserve and condition the large muscle groups of the body:
- Bounce a basketball.
- Play miniature golf at home in the yard or at a public course.
- Lawn croquet is relaxing.
- Hit a tennis ball with a racket.
- Pitch some horseshoes.
- Throw a beach ball back and forth.
- Bocce ball is always fun.
- Hand-bat balloons.
Tips for Successful Activities
The following techniques have been helpful to many who care for Alzheimer patients:
- Accept loved ones as they are.
- Plan ahead before involving the patient.
- Remember KISS-Keep It Simple Sweetheart.
- Stay calm.
- Be encouraging.
- Speak gently with reassurance.
- Make eye contact and give focus.
- Use the patient’s name.
- Laugh and smile, and show affection.
- Do not argue.
- Show respect, maintain a positive attitude.
- If agitation occurs during an activity, take a break or stop altogether.
- Once you have found a successful activity, make it routine.
Taking Care of the In-Home Caregiver
Taking care of a patient with Alzheimer’s disease is challenging and rewarding, it is important that the caregiver does not neglect themselves. Three out of four Alzheimer’s caregivers are women. Please consider the following:
- Don’t try to do everything.
- Learn about the disease.
- Maintain a sense of humor.
- Participate in support groups.
- Ask for and accept help from others.
- Make time for yourself.
- Reward yourself.
- Get enough sleep.
- Learn about community services in your area.
- Exercise regularly.
- Have regular medical check-ups.
A person with Alzheimer’s disease may live on average eight years, and as many as 20 or more years from the onset of symptoms; many are cared for by family members. Learning care-giving skills like planning activities is essential in preserving the well-being of the patient and caregivers.
Sources:
FitzRay, B. J. Alzheimer's Activities: Hundreds of Activities for Men and Women with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders. Windsor, CA: Rayve Productions, 2001. Print
Sharon Colaizzi - Sharon is a professional freelance writer and is working on many writing assignments. She loves to write on any and all subject matter ...
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