Alzheimer's disease is a debilitating ailment that can isolate and depress anyone who has been diagnosed with it. Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease will manifest differently in everyone.
If you have a parent or loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, you can help them by moving them into an assisted living community or a nursing home where they can live with other people and get regular care. Here are some activities and exercises that can help your loved one when they have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Physical Exercise
Physical exercise can greatly benefit a patient with Alzheimer's disease. If your parent or loved one has early onset dementia because of Alzheimer's disease, they may still be able to participate in daily sports such as walking, dancing, guided yoga, swimming, and other physical activities.
If your loved one has physical disabilities, they may be able to exercise different parts of their body while sitting in a wheelchair or standing with a walker. Whatever physical condition your loved one is in, you can guide them to keep moving by doing exercises with them.
Mental Exercise
In addition to physical exercise, you can help your loved one by providing mental activities that you know they will like. If your loved one is creative and likes to draw, sew, or craft, you can suggest a new hobby or skill that is related to their creativity. Group games can also stimulate your loved one's mind and give him or her something to think about.
When introducing your loved one to a new skill or game, talk to them about the things in their life that you know that they love. This can help to jog their memory and get them to think about their own family members, friends, and acquaintances. All of these mental activities and exercises can be fun for your loved one and give them renewed mental energy, relaxation, and a few laughs.
Social Activities
It is important for your loved one who is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease to be around other people to talk to and socialize with. If you cannot be present on some days of the week, make sure to enroll your loved one in group activities hosted by the assisted living community. Many communities provide programs such as dancing, watching live entertainment, playing card games, singing in a group, and going on group outings and field trips. All of these activities can stimulate your loved one's body and mind and help them to not feel isolated.
When your loved one with Alzheimer's disease can no longer take care of themselves, you can help them by being with them and arranging for lots of stimulating activities and exercises. This is a time-consuming job, but well worth the effort to help your loved one to live longer and be happy.
