Dementia happens when there are changes to the brain, which leads to impaired abilities to think, remember, or even make sound decisions. This impairment makes performing daily tasks challenging for the patients; as such, dementia patients may start feeling anxiety, irritability, and even depression. Running some simple activities for dementia patients can help to maintain their cognitive function while giving them some form of physical activity. In memory care, group activities provide opportunities for social interaction, helping them develop meaningful relationships. To help dementia patients stay stimulated and engaged in life, feel valued, and have fun, here are some recommended activities for dementia patients.
Cook and Bake
This can be a particularly beneficial activity for patients who have spent their lives homemaking or doing most of the cooking at home. It exercises their muscle memory, making it easy for them to recall sensory memories of cooking or baking. It is an excellent way for them to feel productive, relax and socialize. And after all the work, they get to share the joy of food with everyone, helping them feel purposeful. Choose a favorite or memorable recipe, ensure that it is within the patient’s abilities, and keep a close eye on them in the kitchen the entire time.
Play Some Music
Music is an excellent memory aid. Not only does it provide comfort, it usually marks important life moments. We listen to different music at different stages of our lives and have different music for different moods and events. Make a playlist of their favorite artists and genres and listen to the songs together with them. Watch videos of their favorite performers and encourage them to sing along by humming a few bars of their favorite music. These will help to exercise their cognitive processes and memory recall.
Music can also be used to represent different activities or as a tool for transition between activities. Play a similar track every day when doing a particular activity to create the association. As their dementia worsens, this can help calm them down and reinforce routines when upset.
Do Some Exercise
Exercise is vital to our overall health, and it is true even for older adults. It is crucial to choose appropriate physical activities based on their mobility. Even light exercises like walking can provide dopamine and other endorphins that make us feel happy and relaxed. In fact, walking for ten to twenty minutes per day can help alleviate depression symptoms, relieve frustration, and improve sleep and mental clarity. Some dementia patients struggle with restlessness and sleeplessness at night, by incorporating physical exercise into their routines can help regulate their circadian signals indicating that it is time to sleep.
Gardening
Gardening is an accessible and affordable activity that stimulates all the senses. There are tactile sensations from the soil and flowers, visual stimulation from colors and shapes in the garden, and the sense of smell activated by the scents of flowers or herbs. If gardening outdoors, the sounds of the birds and rustle of the wind stimulate the sense of hearing. It is quite an enjoyment for dementia patients whose experience is in the ‘here and now.’ Gardening has physical and cognitive benefits as well. Digging, planting, and potting improve dexterity, organizing the garden, and deciding how to plant the seeds practices higher order thinking. Lastly, gardening allows them to enjoy and share the enjoyment of the environment with others while fostering relationships with them.