1. Do Things the Patient Used to Love
While it can be difficult to see an Alzheimer's patient struggle with activities he once enjoyed, experts insist that it's very important for people afflicted with the disease to stay in touch with their former selves. For example, a patient who was a big basketball fan in his younger years can be entertained with a televised basketball game. Even if the disease has progressed to the point where the patient can no longer keep up mentally with the intricacies of the unfolding match, he will still get a visceral thrill from watching, even if clarity only comes in flashes.
Trial and error is a good strategy to use here. Expose the patient to a variety of activities he once enjoyed, see which ones he responds to best and make any necessary adjustments to maximize his entertainment.
2. Turn on the Music
Listening to music has a highly beneficial effect on Alzheimer's patients. Even patients with advanced dementia may remember the words to their favorite songs and sing along. Regular exposure to music may even delay the worsening of symptoms. One recent study found that patients who listened to music every day reported greater happiness, heightened alertness, mental clarity and more functional memories than patients who didn't listen to music at all.
3. Play Games
Simple games that promote mental stimulation but don't frustrate the patient can be entertaining and therapeutic. For example, play a name game or a word game with an Alzheimer's patient. Begin by saying a female name and asking the patient to respond with a male name. This structure could be repeated with any number of subjects, including birds, animals, countries, languages, colors and movies. Encouraging the patient to play with clay or paint can provide hours of entertainment. However, experts caution that individuals who had highly developed artistic skills in their younger years may have adverse emotional reactions when trying to use those skills while afflicted with Alzheimer's. Avoid activities that may remind the patients of their failing faculties.
4. Stay Active
Physical activity promotes better health and slows the complications of Alzheimer's disease, and it can provide an entertaining way to pass a morning or afternoon. If the patient has someone to walk with, he or she will find it more enjoyable. If possible, bring a pet with you, particularly if the patient likes animals.
5. Keep it Simple
Whatever entertainment format is chosen, be responsive to the needs of the patient. Don't force things that aren't working and move on to something else if a planned activity doesn't do the trick. Someone suffering from Alzheimer's will usually have a short attention span and may be averse to large crowds and public places. The best activities shouldn't take a long time to complete. Choose stimulating activities that can command the patient's attention without frustrating them.
