One of the most important things loved ones and people who take care of Alzheimer's patients can do is find ways to keep them active. Engaging a person with dementia and keeping him focused may be difficult, but giving him a chance to teach or give advice may be a motivator to stay active, according to Peter Rabins, M.D., the Johns Hopkins Medical Center director of geriatric psychiatry and neuropsychiatry. Find activities that interest the person with Alzheimer's and maintain a positive attitude, even during memory lapses.
Stay Active
Staying active and physically fit will help the memory by increasing the oxygen supply to the brain. Encourage her to take walks in familiar surroundings. If she's agreeable, get her involved in group activities where social interaction will make staying fit more enjoyable. Engage her in a sport or other physical activity she's done before. Picking up a golf club or bowling ball may bring back pleasant memories. Swimming, yoga and gardening are activities she may find enjoyable.
Social Life
Since one of the symptoms of dementia is loneliness and the feeling of being isolated, spend time with him. The social interaction with familiar people will help keep the person focused and his memory sharper. For as long as possible, bring him to family events and encourage everyone to spend some time with him. Encourage reminiscing. Ask people to schedule their visits with the Alzheimer's patient in advance to prevent surprises and frustration. Keep a calendar nearby and use daily reminders of events that are going to happen. If there is a senior center nearby, enroll him in a program where he will develop new relationships in a structured setting with scheduled events.
Games, Puzzles and Hobbies
Any type of board game or card game will help the memory of an Alzheimer's patient. Sorting games and puzzles are also helpful brain activities, according to an article on the AARP website. Using the person's former hobbies, encourage her to sort and match items, such as baseball cards, scores or pieces based on commonalities. Art therapy may help job the memory of Alzheimer's patients, according to Dr. Arnold Bresky, a physician who calls himself a preventive gerontologist.
Daily Activities
Have him peruse newspaper ads and clip coupons then take him shopping. Ask for help looking for the best bargains. Take turns reading the newspaper or a book that is interesting to both of you. Encourage him to help with familiar household tasks, such as putting away dishes, folding towels or anything else he is capable of doing without intense supervision. All of these activities will help maintain the memory of regular daily living.
