Simple activities you can do with your loved ones with dementia

It's normal to feel sad and overwhelmed when you learn that someone you love, like your mother, father, grandmother, or aunt, has dementia . It's not easy to watch them gradually forget things and find it difficult to do even the things they used to do. But that doesn't mean they're completely deprived of the opportunity to be happy and do the things they love. In fact, keeping them mentally and physically active can help maintain brain function and slow the progression of the disease.

Why are these activities so important?

Simply put, dementia, especially with conditions like Alzheimer's, is caused by damage to brain cells. This leads to a gradual loss of memory, thinking, and decision-making abilities. However, when we engage in activities that stimulate the brain and that it enjoys, many things happen.

• Mood improves: feelings of anxiety, anger, and sadness decrease, and you begin to feel calm and happy.
• Relationships are strengthened: Spending time with you makes them feel like they're not alone. That's a great strength for you and them.
• Physical health improves: Even simple exercises like walking strengthen the body and help you sleep better.
• Old memories are rekindled: Some activities, for example listening to an old song, help bring back good memories from their past.

Now let's see what simple, useful things we can do together with them, tailored to their abilities.

Things we can do together

Here are some ideas you can try. Remember, the most important thing is not what you do, but how much fun you have together.

1. Let's go for a little walk.

This is one of the simplest and best things you can do. It's both exercise and socializing. If you can walk for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, it's great. If that's hard, even 5-10 minutes can be a big help. If someone is in a more advanced stage of the disease, stay close to them . It's very important to prevent them from getting lost or falling.

2. Let's flip through an old photo album.

Looking through old photos of family and friends is a great way to reconnect with the past and share fond memories. It's best to have the photos in an organized album, from childhood to recent times. Talk about important events in their lives together, like their wedding, the birth of their children, or their time at school.

3. Let's listen to a favorite song.

Surprisingly, the parts of our brains that help us recognize music are the last to be damaged by dementia. So while it's not clear whether listening to music improves memory, it has been shown to be very calming . Choose songs that are special to them that they listened to when they were younger. Sing along, and invite them to join in. If they used to play an instrument, you can add that in too.

4. Let's do some work in the garden.

Gardening is not just a chore, it is a form of therapy. Being with plants and nature is a great source of peace and comfort. Gardening can reduce stress, improve sleep, and improve overall well-being. It is also a good form of exercise.

5. Let's play a game that exercises the brain.

Brain games like crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and Sudoku are great brain exercises. These can be done by cutting them out of a newspaper or online. Doing these games together is beneficial for everyone. Research shows that living a mentally active lifestyle can delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease by about 5 years.

6. Let's cook together.

Choose a healthy, easy-to-make recipe. Assign them tasks that you know they can do safely. In the early stages of the illness, you can help them choose recipes and go to the store. As the illness progresses, you can give them simple tasks like mixing ingredients and grating some coconut. Most importantly: Be very careful with sharp knives and open stoves. If something spills on the floor, wipe it up immediately, as it could cause a slip and fall. If they have trouble swallowing, cut the food into small pieces or give them soft foods.

7. Spending time with a pet

Spending time with an animal, such as a dog or cat, can help reduce their symptoms of anxiety and restlessness. Even the simple act of petting an animal can be very comforting. Feeding and caring for an animal adds purpose to their life. If you don't have time to take care of a pet, you can spend a few hours with a friend who has animals or at a place where animals are loved. However, make sure that the animal they are with is calm, friendly, and doesn't bite.

Being patient and understanding

Whatever activity you choose, try to be patient . It will take them a while to get used to it. Do everything yourself. Modify each activity to suit their varying abilities. Remember, if they get upset, angry, or have no interest in what you are doing, don't force it. Switch to something else. The most important thing is not what you are doing, but the quality time you both spend together. The most important thing is to make them feel your love and care. If at any point you find it difficult to manage this situation or if you have any other problems, don't hesitate to consult your family doctor (doctor) for advice . Dementia, Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's, elderly care, memory loss, brain exercise, mental health, elder care