Alzheimer's Activities- Staying involved and active

Alzheimer is a neurodegenerative disease that accounts for almost 60% to 70% of the cases of dementia. The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent event, i.e., short term memory loss. Moreover, as the disease advances, symptoms can include- problems with language, mood swings, loss of motivation, not managing self care, and behavioural issues. What is more frustrating- no treatments stop or reverse its progression.

However, there are some activities that may improve symptoms and thus can be helpful in enhancing the lifestyle of the person with Alzheimer in significant ways. As the disease progresses, all those activities that the person has been doing all of their adult life become too difficult. Thus, it is important that either those activities have to be modified or some new activities need to be found.

Although activities don't necessarily slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, activities do improve the quality of life of the person. Activities can lessen the symptoms like agitation and depression. Moreover, they also help in maintaining motor skills that aid daily tasks such as buttoning a shirt or recognising household activities.  Furthermore, projects that match the skill level can also give the sense of ownership and independence. Finishing such activities gives the feeling of accomplishment to the minds of the Alzheimer's patients, which is very essential if you want to keep that person active and happy.

When it comes to finding the appropriate Alzheimer Activities that can stimulate the mind and body of the person with the symptoms of Alzheimer, it is necessary to keep in mind about the person's past life- his or her hobbies, favourite pastimes, etc. This information will be elemental in planning the right activities for that particular person. However, in general, activities for Alzheimer's can include painting, playing a game or working puzzles, singing along with a familiar music, etc.

Activities are considered as powerful tools for the caregiver as it keep the person rooted in the present, for you do activities in the now moment. As a matter or fact, enjoying great art pieces, admiring them, is proving to be therapeutic for people with Alzheimer. Similarly, creating an art piece is also a great therapy.

Whatever activities you are providing to the person with Alzheimer's, make sure that activities are easy. If your loved one resists an activity, take a break. You can try again later, or you can ask him how the activity can be changed to make it more enjoyable for them. It is important to focus on the process of the regular activities and not the results. What matters is that your loved one enjoyed the time spent on it and felt useful.

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Author by:  Active Minds •

Posted by Riko Wijayanto

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