Articles

What are the best activities for someone with dementia?

(Medically reviewed by Shilpa Amin, M.D., CAQ, FAAP — By Anna Smith Haghighi on August 8, 2022)

There are many activities a person can do with someone who has dementia. This article considers 30 of the best activities for people with dementia and provides tips on how to organize them.

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50 Activities

Spending time with a family member or friend in the middle or late stages of Alzheimer’s can be meaningful and fun—especially if you take your cue from the person. What do they like to do? What are they able to do? What are they in the mood for today?

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Adapting Activities for People With Alzheimer's Disease

Doing things we enjoy gives us pleasure and adds meaning to our lives. People with Alzheimer's disease need to be active and do things they enjoy. However, it’s not easy for them to plan their days and do different tasks.

 

Activities To Do With a Family Member or Friend Who Has Alzheimer’s Disease

It’s important to spend meaningful time with a family member or friend who has Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Participating together in activities your loved one enjoys can help improve their quality of life and manage behavior changes that may come with the disease, such as sleep problems, aggression, and agitation. It can also help grow and strengthen your connection. However, it may be difficult to know what activities you can safely do with your loved one.

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What Are Stimulating Activities for People with Alzheimer’s?

Participating in stimulating activities can help slow down cognitive decline and improve overall quality of life.

 

Stay Physically Active

Physical activity is a valuable part of any overall body wellness plan and is associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline. If it’s safe for you, engage in cardiovascular exercise to elevate your heart rate. This will increase the blood flow to your brain and body, providing additional nourishment while reducing potential dementia risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.

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15 Meaningful Activities for Dementia Patients

Are you looking for ways to engage your loved one who is suffering from dementia? Click here to learn 15 therapeutic activities for dementia patients.

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