Therapeutic activities for people with dementia is a critical part of the care process. And not just for persons living with dementia, but their caregivers as well.
While persons living with Alzheimer’s and dementia experience isolation, stress, and frustration from lack of engagement, caregivers on the other hand experience it from lack of respite.
With this in mind, here’s a list of therapeutic activities for people with dementia. All of which improve the daily happiness, dignity, and quality of life of both care recipient and caregiver.
1. Socialization
A study of 2,249 women in California suggests socialization encourages healthy behaviors like engaging in sports, hobbies, and other activities.
However, socialization becomes increasingly difficult for persons living with Alzheimer’s and dementia as their diagnosis progress.
By the same token, caregivers also lose chances to socialize with others as a result of increasing dependence from their care recipient.
For this reason, knowing how to communicate is key in increasing chances of prolonged social interaction. For example:
- Talk to them how you would normally talk to an adult. No baby talk.
- Use affirmative speech. For instance, when giving instructions, say “Do this.” instead of “Don’t do this.”
- Keep topics simple. Talk about one topic at a time to keep the narrative simple and easy to follow.
- Be patient and listen.
Of course, it’s also important to value their choices and opinion. So don’t force them to socialize if they don’t want to as it will only lead to agitation and challenging behavior.
2. Cooking
Experts say that participating in two one-hour cooking sessions twice a week improves the average behavioral scores of persons living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Simple kitchen tasks like measuring ingredients, setting the table, or washing the dishes, are effective therapeutic activities for people with dementia.
Equally important is allowing care recipients to make their own decisions and choices in all stages of cooking. Letting them choose which dish to cook or which plates to serve them in, preserves their pride and dignity.
All in all, the interactive and social aspect of making a meal fosters feelings of independence, purpose, and self-worth for persons living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
3. Daily physical activity
Exercise is essential for persons living with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s.
In fact, one study found that higher levels of daily movement results in better cognitive and memory skills – even amidst developing Alzheimer’s. So make sure to include short sessions of low-impact exercises like stretching, walking or chair aerobics in your daily care schedule.
4. Yoga
A 2014 study shows, that coupled with other holistic exercises such as Tai Chi, chi gong, and meditation, yoga can improve a person’s quality of life.
Other known effects of yoga include managing stress, inflammation, and hormone dysregulation, as well as links to the formation of new neural connections in the brain.
5. Games
Games are a simple and fun way to keep a person with Alzheimer’s and dementia mentally engaged.
Playing video games are also known to improve cognitive ability among seniors. The need to shift quickly between tasks in a game also results in better multitasking abilities.
Similarly, a 2014 study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison shows card and board games help seniors maintain their mental acuity. The mental stimulation help persons with Alzheimer’s and dementia remember details like names and dates better.
6. Movies
According to experts, watching familiar movies or TV shows are enjoyable therapeutic activities for people with dementia.
Because it stirs positive memories, it can be used to stimulate conversation, regulate mood, and encourage social interaction.
Groups like Artists for Alzheimer’s (ARTZ) regularly hosts special movie screenings for persons living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and their caregivers.
Movies are often under two hours, with a simple plot, and without scenes of excessive violence, sickness, or death.
Instead of simply playing a movie, they also include interactive activities such as singalongs and games, which keeps the audience mentally and physically engaged.
Afterwards, nursing staff and family members noted a positive effect following their participation in the program. Such as showing better moods, having a longer attention span, and an increase in communication and engagement.
7. Music
A study by the Society for Neuroscience found that singing as a group improved cognitive skills and boosted mood of elderly men and women living with moderate to severe dementia.
Other studies showed that persons living with Alzheimer’s and dementia involved in a 30 to 40 minute daily music program have less disruptive behavior, better sleep, and increased cooperativeness.
8. Art
The effects of art on persons living with Alzheimer’s and dementia are well documented.
For example, a small study on the effects of art therapy programs on persons living with mild to moderate dementia showed improved focus.
Results showed about 80 percent of participants stayed focused during the 30 to 45-minute art sessions.
MEMORIES IN THE MAKING (MiM)
And the follow-up study showed even better results. Participants had higher self-esteem, were calmer, and more social compare to those who didn’t participate in any art-related activities.
This means, if caregivers include one hour of relaxing art and craft activities like painting, pottery, or scrapbooking in their daily care routine, it can keep persons living with Alzheimer’s and dementia entertained and engaged.
9. Knitting
The repetitive movements and hand work required by knitting provides many cognitive and emotional benefits for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Science news website Labreporter suggests that knitting and crocheting are beneficial therapeutic activities for people with dementia at any stage.
Apps like Joygage with its strategically curated playlists of easy-to-follow tutorials can get any user started.
They can choose from simple knitting projects like a scarf or a beanie to more challenging ones like a sweater or blanket.
And caregivers who are prone to develop depression over time, the measurable effect of knitting helps on relieving stress and anxiety caused by care work.
10. Reminiscing
Reminiscence therapy involves looking back at events from the past by providing persons living with Alzheimer’s and dementia with objects to see, hear, smell, hold, or taste.
In a manual produced by the University of Melbourne, reminiscing was reported to have immense benefits for dementia.
Results showed a reduction in depression, behavioral issues, and apathy. And an increase in their enjoyment, attention, social interaction, and well-being.