Erin Porteous
Dementia can be hard to deal with, and it certainly can change the way people live their lives. The good news is that there are still plenty of activities for those who have dementia, many of which have been shown to have positive effects and even slow the onset of dementia.
In this guide, we’re exploring some of the top activities to engage people who have dementia.
Benefits of Stimulating Activities For People With Dementia
Certain activities are particularly beneficial for people with dementia. More and more people tend to visit an Alzheimer’s store, where they can find a wide range of specialty supplies specifically designed to support and enhance these activities.
These materials are carefully selected to provide the necessary tools and aids to facilitate such activities, providing a more fulfilling experience for people with dementia. By visiting such a store, you will be able to get acquainted with a variety of resources that meet the unique needs and problems associated with this disease, which will allow you to effectively attract people and help them on their journey.
Benefits can include:
- Avoiding the anxiety and depressive symptoms that often come with dementia
- Helping to keep cognitive function high for as long as possible and stave off some of the effects
- Keep spirits high
- Keep people active
- Try to stir memories.
Work In The Garden
A lot of research has shown that work in the garden can be therapeutic, and even help to improve cognitive function. Spending time in outdoor spaces is good for the mental and emotional state, and can help people with dementia feel a lot less agitated, something they often experience.
Working in the garden is also a good way to help people stay active even though they are living with dementia.
Playing With Tactile Materials Like Play-Doh Or Sand
These sensory and tactile activities often prove to be a fantastic way to help keep people with dementia engaged and may have their own benefits. Sand, Play-Doh and other materials like clay can allow people to experiment with the feel, shape, and size of materials and can be very enjoyable, too. These materials help with dexterity that can start to deteriorate when struggling with dementia.
Music Therapy Sessions Or Musical Instrument Playing
Most of the studies regarding music therapy sessions show that it can be very beneficial for a variety of different health issues. Playing a musical instrument can help to boost cognition or bring back memories of playing, and music can also be a powerful tool for stimulating the brain.
Group music therapy sessions are a perfect way for people with dementia to ensure they continue to socialize. Music is mood-boosting as well as having the potential to boost cognitive abilities.
Cooking Or Baking Simple Recipes
While you don’t want to provide too much of a difficult recipe or task for somebody with dementia to try and recreate, simple recipes can provide a lot of fun.
Once again, it can help with dexterity and staying active, plus it is a fun activity, and one that is constructive and yields an end result. People with dementia often want to feel like they are doing something constructive and productive with their time.
Cooking activities are best for early-stage dementia and can help to keep the brain active and stimulated while remembering recipes and baking simple foods.
Dancing Or Rhythmic Movements To Music
Remaining active and getting the blood pumping can be a good thing for people with dementia, and we’ve already discussed the fact that music-based activities can be good for those with dementia.
A lot of dancing and rhythmic movements also involve a little bit of memory and comprehension, and both communication skills as well as paying some attention (especially if dancing with others). All of this can provide a positive workout for body and for mind.
Using Tablets Or Smartphones For Interactive Games Or Puzzles
Smartphones have given us more in the way of tools to help people who have dementia, and there are plenty of companies creating specific games and puzzles for people who are struggling with the condition.
As well as improving cognition and thought processes, puzzles can be fun and relaxing, as long as they are achievable for the patient.
Conclusion
People with dementia will have their own idea of fun activities! They can still pursue plenty of their hobbies and should stay active as long as possible, both in terms of their physical health and their mental capacity.
From simple baking through to music therapy and even activities involving arts and crafts, there is plenty that can help somebody with dementia.
