Patients with Alzheimer's disease may crave activities that are interesting or fun. A variety of activities can be therapeutic. The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation recommends that planned activities meet the following goals: use the patient's current skills, focus on the patient's long-standing interests, and assist in the retention of his short or long term memory. Activities that allow a sense of productivity or success are also excellent.
Musical Interaction
The patient may enjoy singing songs from his childhood or adult life. Consider songs that most adults know if you don't know his favorite songs. Allow him to play an instrument if he knows how; perhaps he can play the piano, guitar or harmonica. Encourage dancing or hand-clapping along with the music.
Meal Preparation
Allow him to assist in meal preparation. He may enjoy decorating a cake, adding ingredients to soup or deciding what to add to a salad. Keep basic safety in mind regarding knives, the oven and other kitchen hazards.
Walking
A daily walk can alleviate frustrating symptoms such as wandering and agitation. Have the patient wear appropriate shoes, such as running shoes, and use a cane if necessary. Find a walking area with a suitable, flat surface and walk for a half hour or less. Carry a cell phone in case you need assistance during the walk. Point out interesting trees, plants, animals or buildings to stimulate discussion as you walk.
Self-Expression
See if the person with Alzheimer's enjoys creating art with markers, crayons, paints or other media. Ask what he wants to draw or paint. If not, make suggestions in accordance with his former interests, such as horses, trains, cars or flags. Provide encouragement, but don't talk to him as if he is a child.
Give and Receive a Massage
Give the person with Alzheimer's a back or foot massage if he wants. Ask him if he wants to give you a back or neck massage. Touch can be therapeutic and calm anxieties.
Animal Therapy
AARP recommends pleasant interaction with animals as a healthy activity idea. Exposure to an animal can provide stimulation and a sense of purpose. Allow the Alzheimer's patient to pet or groom the animal or just spend time with it. Consider working with a cat, dog or other animal he likes. Watching wild animals, such as birds, squirrels or deer can be soothing and fun.
Go Down Memory Lane
Look at old photographs or family videos, or watch his favorite classic television shows or movies. Encourage discussion of pleasant memories.
