Alzheimer’s dementia is a brain disorder that progresses slowly with a combination of cognitive and behavioral manifestations. Cognitive impairment involves memory loss and is characterized by poor recognition, language, movement, and disruption of the overall body functions such as planning and organizing. Behavioral manifestations of dementia are characterized by hallucinations, delusions, anxiety, and depression. Patients with Alzheimer’s dementia need assisted living memory care to help them deal with the symptoms.
The common causes of dementia are toxic reactions from excessive alcohol use, infections that affect the brain and spinal cord, nutritional deficiency, kidney, liver, and lung disease. Treatment options for dementia are aimed at providing the best possible quality of life for the patients. Dementia generally gets worse with age, but drugs and other treatments can reduce the development of symptoms. The remedies also reduce psychiatric problems and improve concentration and memory.
With the increasing prevalence of dementia, the elderly suffering from the disease needs constant connection and fulfillment due to the disease’s frustrating impact. Patients lack stimulation for day-to-day activities and experience a lot of boredom. There are several stages of the disease, and effective care is required at each stage. Caregivers should concentrate more on what the patient can do and not what they cannot. Engagement in day-to-day activities is beneficial for the body and mind as it slows down the progression of dementia.
Activities to help dementia patients
Dementia patients can engage in meaningful contributions that help them maintain their sense of security and cognitive functions and help calm down anxiety and aggressive behavior forms. Patients can also hold a level of control over their day and surroundings as they engage their memories through communication. The following ways can keep your elderly actively involved;
Help with the clean-up activities: you can encourage dementia patients to clean up around the house by allocating less stressful roles such as folding clothes. You can give them clothes that are easy to fold, such as towels, to keep them happily engaged. They may not do it perfectly, but it makes them feel appreciated and part of the activity.
Visual expressions: Visual expressions such as drawing and painting help seniors to express their feelings and creativity freely. You can encourage them to use bright colors and provide drawing papers. These activities make dementia patients feel safe and create a sense of freedom. You can give plenty of drawing materials to prevent stress associated with the shortage.
Physical body exercise: Body exercise boosts mood and quality of life, enhancing overall mental and physical health. Experts encourage physical activities at least twice weekly to mitigate the functional effects of dementia. Some of the activities that can help Alzheimer’s patients include gardening, walking, and chair exercises. Patients with advanced stages of the disease have increased physical restrictions, but it is commendable to move about once in a while.
Memory box: Creating a memory box for dementia patients help them feel connected with their previous hobbies and careers. A memory box involves getting any package and filling it up with copies of their favorite photos, items they used at work, and other objects related to their past hobbies. The things put in the box should be safe to handle and connected to their earlier tastes and preferences.
Puzzles: Cognitive games such as simple jigsaw puzzles are ideal for a healthy brain and helps reduce the likelihood of brain failure as the disease progresses to more advanced stages. These activities can be done once a week for dementia patients to help keep both sides of the brain stimulated.
Different patients enjoy different activities, and caregivers should focus on those that fit the individual personality, situation, and needs. Dementia results in reduced focus, and patients need support at every stage of the disease.