The Importance Of Activities For People With Dementia

Dementia can develop with age and often affects memory, communication skills, and mental abilities. There is currently no cure for dementia. That said, research shows that some activities may improve mental health and functioning in people with dementia. Physical, mental, social, and sensory activities can all be great ways to stimulate the brain and body. When employed in conjunction with treatment options like medication and therapy, it can be possible for individuals to slow the progression of dementia and improve their quality of life.

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What is dementia? Understanding types of dementia like vascular dementia

Dementia can refer to a group of conditions that affect over 55 million people worldwide and usually involve some form of cognitive decline. Dementia often starts later in life, frequently making it harder for older adults to remember information, interact with others, and complete daily tasks. 

Types of dementia: Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and others

In the early stages of dementia, symptoms may be more subtle. For example, people might notice minor changes in their mood and memory. As dementia progresses, it can lead to more severe symptoms, like having trouble moving around and forgetting loved ones’ names. People with late-stage dementia often need ongoing help with tasks like bathing, eating, dressing, and going to the bathroom.

Why activities can be important for memory loss in dementia patients

Even when people with dementia have round-the-clock care, they may still benefit from activities that exercise their bodies and minds. Keeping busy may help dementia patients avoid boredom and preserve their mental and physical skills. Activities may also provide a sense of purpose while improving daily functioning. 

Meaningful activities may also delay the onset of dementia among people who don’t yet have it but may develop it later. In a study published in 2021, researchers analyzed the activities of 1,903 older adults and followed up with them over the next several years. Of the participants who went on to develop Alzheimer’s, those who participated in activities like reading, writing, and playing games developed it an average of five years later.

Activities for people with dementia and alzheimer's disease

If you’re a caregiver or family member of someone with dementia, you might want to explore using engaging and fun activities to help them maintain their cognitive skills. Consider planning activities that you can easily work into your daily routines, aiming for ones that are enjoyable for both you and your loved one. If you’re looking for inspiration, the following ideas may be a good place to start.

Physical activities

In 2018, researchers gathered information on the physical activity levels of 934 patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease. The patients then received regular annual follow-ups. Those with higher levels of physical activity usually experienced slower dementia progression and a lower risk of mortality. Some ideas for staying physically active include those listed below:

• Gardening
• Going for walks
• Hiking
• Stretching or practicing yoga
• Dancing 
• Seated aerobics
• Water aerobics or swimming

Benefits of physical activities for persons with dementia

Engaging in physical activities can help improve mobility, balance, and overall physical health, which may contribute to better quality of life for people with dementia.

Hobbies

People with dementia may be drawn toward passive activities like watching TV. Encouraging your loved one to find a new hobby—or reconnect with an old one—can be a useful way to make their routine more stimulating. Having a hobby may also reduce symptoms of depression, which can be common among people with dementia. Below are a few options:

• Cooking or baking
• Creative activities like painting, drawing, or making collages
• Playing a musical instrument
• Building model planes or cars
• Bird watching

Mental activities

According to Harvard Medical School, staying mentally active may prevent cognitive decline among older adults. For people who already have dementia, activities that exercise the brain may help preserve their existing mental abilities. The following are examples of mentally stimulating activities: 

• Learning a new language
• Reading books
• Doing sudoku or crossword puzzles
• Solving Rubik’s cubes
• Playing board games
• Learning new skills or information

Benefits of mental activities for memory loss

Social activities: Being socially active may improve mental health and overall well-being. It may also slow the progression of dementia. Examples of social activities include those listed below:

• Browsing family photo albums as a group
• Attending lessons or lectures
• Putting on gatherings with friends or family members
• Going on group nature walks
• Joining book clubs, volunteer groups, or exercise groups

Benefits of social activities

Social interaction can enhance mood, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote a sense of belonging for people with dementia.

Sensory activities

The National Council on Aging reports that sensory experiences can benefit people with cognitive decline and dementia. Exercising the five senses—sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste—may also help keep the brain flexible. Activities that involve sensory stimulation include the following:

• Smelling essential oils
• Listening to music, singing holiday songs, or playing instruments
• Playing with a cat or dog
• Working with play dough or clay
• Looking at art
• Spending time in nature
• Taste-testing different foods

Benefits of sensory activities

Sensory activities can help stimulate memories, improve mood, and enhance communication in individuals with dementia.

You’re not alone in coping with dementia

Match with a therapist for advice and support

Managing the effects of dementia

The above activities may be useful for preserving mental and physical health in people with dementia. That said, they may be more helpful when paired with professional treatment. If you’re interested in exploring treatment, consider talking to your doctor. Several medications are available that may help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life at all stages of dementia. 

Therapy and support

Therapy is another resource that may be helpful for managing the effects of dementia, especially mood-related challenges. Depression can be common in people with dementia.

Depression can also affect the caregivers of individuals with dementia. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is frequently used to treat depression by changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. 

Online therapy options for people with dementia

Sticking to therapy long-term is often easier when you have a therapist with whom you feel comfortable, but finding the right fit can sometimes take a few tries. Online therapy may simplify this process. Platforms like BetterHelp typically let you change therapists at any time, for any reason, at no extra cost. 

Studies have shown that online therapy can effectively treat a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression. In a 2017 review, researchers analyzed data from 373 publications on internet-based CBT. They found that online therapy could effectively treat depression, anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and more.