What are good activities for a person with Alzheimer's disease?

For people living with Alzheimer’s disease, engaging in activities can provide cognitive and emotional stimulation, and can also give a person a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and overall wellbeing at a time when their thinking and memory are changing. Activities may also help reduce feelings of agitation and other behavioral changes that a person can experience when they have Alzheimer’s disease.

As a caregiver, family member, or friend of a person living with Alzheimer’s disease, planning activities you can do together is one way you can help your loved one. Below are a few tips for choosing an activity your loved one can enjoy, along with some suggestions for activities that you might consider.

How do you choose an activity for a loved one with Alzheimer’s?

When choosing an activity, consider your loved one’s abilities, cognitive levels, safety, and also what they enjoy doing. Here are some guidelines to help get started:

1. Keep a loved one’s interests in mind. You can start by looking at your loved one’s interests and preferences. Consider activities or hobbies that they have enjoyed in the past.
2. Adapt activities to a loved one’s ability. Adapting familiar activities to current abilities can help give a person a sense of accomplishment as well as familiarity. Adjust the pace and difficulty level to ensure a positive experience. Avoid activities that may feel frustrating or overwhelming.
3. Create a safe environment. Always ensure an environment is safe. Remove any potential hazards, such as sharp objects, slippery surfaces, or any hazardous substance (for example, super glue or hot glue used in arts and crafts activities).
4. Keep the space organized. Adjust the space and surroundings to minimize distractions. Clear up clutter and turn off TVs. This can make it easier for a loved one to focus.
5. Promote social interaction. Group activities and spending time with family and friends can help reduce feelings of isolation and benefit a person’s emotional well-being. Encourage conversation, reminiscing, and participation in group games or outings.
6. Be flexible and patient. Be prepared for changes in interests and abilities. Also be ready to skip a planned activity if the timing is not good.

What activities are good for people living with Alzheimer’s?

While everyone’s abilities and interests are different, here are some ideas on activities that you may try with a loved one:

• Listen to music. Listening to familiar music or playing musical instruments can evoke memories, reduce anxiety, and promote emotional well-being. Singing songs or participating in music therapy sessions can be beneficial.
• Arts and crafting. Engaging in simple arts and crafts activities—such as coloring, painting, or creating collages—can stimulate creativity, improve dexterity, and provide a sense of accomplishment. Choose activities with easy-to-use materials and step-by-step instructions.
• Household chores. Ask for help with chores around the house, such as vacuuming, taking care of plants, or taking care of pets. In many cases, it’s important that a person feel like a contributing member of the household.
• Visit some greenspace. Visit a park, garden, or other natural setting. Greenspace can provide sensory stimulation and a calming experience. Keep safety in mind—for example, choosing walking paths that are free of obstacles or hazards.
• Play a game. Activities like board games, card games, and building puzzles can help exercise the brain and encourage social interaction.

These are just ideas to get you started. Activities are also a topic that you can discuss with your loved one’s healthcare providers, who will be your best source of information about Alzheimer’s.

Consider participating in a caregiver support group

Caregiving for a person with Alzheimer’s disease can be stressful and emotionally demanding, and caregivers are always advised to make time for themselves and take care of their own health. One recommendation is participating in a support group where they can connect with other caregivers. Support groups can be a great source of information—and if you are participating in one, ask about activities that other caregivers have found for their loved ones.