If your mother, father, or someone you love is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, you probably know how challenging it is to take care of them. As their memory gradually fades, they withdraw from the things they used to enjoy, and become isolated in their own world. But there are ways we can help them. That is by engaging them in small activities that suit them and that they enjoy. We call these 'therapeutic activities'. These are very good for their mind as well as their heart.
Why are these activities so important?
Simply put, these kinds of activities make a big difference in the life of an Alzheimer's patient. Whether they are planned or just happen, they make them feel happy and relaxed.
- Brain activation: Puzzles and simple games help maintain their cognitive function to some extent. This also improves their ability to perform daily tasks.
- Mental health improves: These people may be constantly anxious and sad. When they engage in an activity, those feelings decrease and they feel relieved.
- Improves quality of life: They feel great when they feel they can do something on their own. That happiness will also be a great relief for you to take care of them.
But one thing to remember is that not all activities work for everyone. And it's impossible to measure exactly how much of a result this will produce. The most important thing is to do these things while being with them and giving them love.
How do we start this?
Often, Alzheimer's patients are tempted to not do the things they can still do. They wait for others to do them. So, as a person with the disease, you, your family, and your friends, as well as your caregivers, need to work together to find ways to keep their lives active early in the disease .
You can create a personalized activity plan based on their interests, abilities, and the challenges they face.
It's important to communicate well with them while doing these activities. So, always pay attention to things like their eyesight and hearing. If necessary, talk to the doctor and get those tests done.
Activities appropriate to the stage of the disease
Alzheimer's disease gets worse over time. Therefore, the activities we choose should vary depending on the patient's situation. Let's see what activities are suitable for each situation. Remember, don't forget to praise and appreciate them while doing an activity. That little word gives them a lot of strength.
| The case of the disease | Visible features | Types of activities that can be done |
|---|---|---|
| Mild Stage | - Forgetting where things are placed. - Asking the same question over and over again. - Forgetting words. - Difficulty remembering new people's names. | Crossword puzzles, card games, walking, gardening, drawing, singing, looking through old photo albums. |
| Moderate Stage | - Forgetting details about oneself. - Confusion about time, date, and location. - Difficulty choosing clothes. - Sleep problems, problems with cleanliness. | Simple household chores like folding clothes, washing dishes, knitting socks, dancing to familiar music, playing with pets. |
| Severe Stage | - Communication is very limited. - Forgetting the names of family members even if they recognize them. - Needing help with basic things like eating, drinking, and walking. - Inability to recognize hunger and thirst. | Things that stimulate the five senses: listening to soft music, using aromatherapy, holding hands, gently stroking the hand, showing old photos. |
What can be done in the early stage (mild stage)
They can still do a lot at this age, so choose things that challenge their minds and that they enjoy.
- Brain exercises: crosswords, card games, checkers, and more.
- Physical activity: Go for a walk together, plant a flower in the garden, make a flower bed, put on a favorite song and dance a little.
- Social activities: Chat with friends and family, tell old stories.
- Things that express feelings: Draw pictures, sing a song they like, help write a letter to a loved one.
- Things that bring back memories: looking through an old photo album, making their favorite meal together, doing things the way they used to do during the holidays.
What can be done at the Moderate Stage?
At this point, it's a little difficult for the patient to understand things and get started. So we need to simplify the activities even more .
- Brain Exercise: These are simple everyday tasks. Folding laundry, washing dishes, putting on a pair of socks. Things like this give them a sense of "I did something."
- Physical activity: Simply waving your arms to familiar old songs, walking around the garden with you.
- Social activities: Playing with a pet cat or dog, talking about familiar topics.
- Things that express feelings: Color with watercolors, sing songs together.
- Things that bring back memories: Looking through photo albums, watching an old movie, giving them a favorite doll or toy, using aromatherapy.
What can be done in the severe stage?
At this point, the patient's ability to communicate is very limited. They need help with almost everything. Here, we need to focus on stimulating their five senses .
- Sight: Showing beautiful sights. Staring at a fish tank, showing them old photos they loved, beautiful paintings.
- Hearing: Have them listen to soft music they like, the sound of birds, speak softly to drown out the noise, or read a book to them.
- Touch: This is very important. Hold their hand, give them a gentle hand massage, give them a cozy blanket, give them a soft toy. Your loving touch is the greatest comfort to them.
- Smell: Use a scented candle (e.g. sandalwood, jasmine), a scented lotion. Things like the smell of a freshly baked cake can also trigger their memories.
- Taste: Give them something tasty that is easy to eat and that they like.
Don't forget, all this is done to give them pleasure and comfort, not to test them. If they can't do something, don't force it. Be calm and loving with them.
Take-Home Message
- Engaging Alzheimer's patients in simple activities is very important for their mental and physical health.
- Choose activities that are appropriate for the patient's condition. Start with simple things at first.
- Appreciate even the little things they do. Your love and support are their greatest strength.
- You are not alone on this journey. If you have any questions, concerns, or need more information, talk to your family doctor. He or she will be able to provide you with the guidance you need.
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