Tips on Staying Active & Complementary Therapies for people with Dementia

Submitted by Aishwarya Solanki on 15 March 2017

There are a lot of things you can do especially in the early to middle stages to manage and delay the progression of dementia. Read on to find out more:

Staying Active

  • Finding activities that the person with AD can do and is interested in can be a challenge.
  • Building on current skills generally works better than trying to teach something new. 
  • Don't expect too much. Simple activities are best, especially when they use current abilities.
  • Help the person get started on an activity. Break the activity down into small steps and praise the person for each step he/she completes.
  • Watch for signs of agitation or frustration with an activity. Gently help or distract the person.
  • Incorporate activities the person seems to enjoy into your daily routine and try to do them at a similar time each day.

Exercise

  • Incorporating exercise into the daily routine can benefit both the patient and the caregiver. Not only can it improve health and help the person sleep better, but it can also provide a meaningful activity for both of you to share. 
  • Think about what kind of physical activities you both enjoy.
  • Be realistic in your expectations. Build slowly.
  • Be aware of any discomfort or signs of overexertion. Talk to the doctor if this happens.
  • Allow as much independence as possible, even if it means a less-than-perfect task
  • See what kinds of exercise programs are available in your area.

Complementary Therapies

  • Music- Music has found to be very effective in helping to reduce problem behaviors, such as agitation and aggression (especially during mealtimes and bathing). However, it's important to note that the music should be something that the person with dementia prefers, not necessarily what the caregiver thinks would be nice to listen to. Playing your loved one's favourite types of music is typically the most effective form of dementia therapy.
     
  • Pet therapy - Having a pet can have many benefits. They are not only a form of companionship but having a pet also helps in lowering blood pressure and heart rate, reducing the stress hormone cortisol, boosting levels of the feel-good hormone, serotonin, and helps with feelings of agitation, depression, and anxiety.

Stay tuned next week for Tips on Kinds of problems faced, Safety, & Visiting the doctor !

Community
Alzheimer's and Dementia
Parkinsons Disease and Movement Disorder PDMDS
Condition
Dementia
Parkinson Disease
Changed
Thu, 03/16/2017 - 19:49

Stories

  • Don’t let a Fall Ruin Your Life
    Falls are a common complication of advancing Parkinson's disease. So how can you minimise the risk of falls, be in good shape and lead an active life? Find out here: It is important that you do not allow a fear of falling to stop you doing things, provided that you are sensible. Keeping active is good for your mobility and independence, and doing the things you like is good for your morale. Try not to let falls curb your activities too much as this can have a negative impact on your quality of…
  • Preventing Falls in Parkinson’s
    People with Parkinson's are at high risk of falling due to problems with balance, rigidity, and slowness of movement. Here we bring key safety strategies to reduce incidence of falls that can cause bumps, bruises or even broken bones. Some people with Parkinson’s find their pattern of walking (gait) changes; you may walk more slowly, shuffle, or you may experience freezing of gait when you stop and are unable to move for a few seconds or minutes. These changes in walking pattern can affect your…
  • Be Inspired and Unite for Parkinson's
    World Parkinson's Day #UniteforParkinsons 11th April 2017 marks 200 years since the publication of James Parkinson's essay on Parkinson's Disease. To mark this day, we are asking everyone, no matter where they are around the world, to unite and raise awareness about Parkinson’s on a bigger scale than ever before. We share these inspiring quotes by people with Parkinson's - Ludovina Filomena Dantas, Gargi Ahluwalia, J.P Mehta. Spread the word, share your stories, Unite for Parkinsons …
  • Unite for Parkinson's
    WORLD PARKINSON'S DAY It is 200 years since Parkinson's disease was first identified. Here are some inspiring thoughts from our friends at Humans of Parkinson's. We're joining in the conversation and uniting for Parkinson's, because 200 years is too long. People with Parkinson's share their experiences, what empowers them and what keeps them going.     If you have an experience to share, please leave us a comment below. #UniteforParkinsons #MyExperienceMatters    …
  • ‘Caring for my wife is my only job’
    Dr (Prof) Nandi, 83 is a full time caregiver for his wife, Dr Gita Nandi, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He shares his experience of a caregiver in this personal account. My wife is a doctor herself and she has been suffering from Alzheimer’s for the last six and a half years. The first symptoms were that she started having breathing trouble. I admitted her to the Railway Hospital. She used to be a senior doctor with the Railways and we also used to live in the Railway quarters in…
  • Tips on Staying Active & Complementary Therapies for people with Dementia
    There are a lot of things you can do especially in the early to middle stages to manage and delay the progression of dementia. Read on to find out more: Staying Active Finding activities that the person with AD can do and is interested in can be a challenge. Building on current skills generally works better than trying to teach something new.  Don't expect too much. Simple activities are best, especially when they use current abilities. Help the person get started on an activity. Break…
  • Caregiver Tips on Bathing, Dressing and Eating for a person with Dementia
    Sometimes the Daily activties like Bathing, Dressing and Eating can be a huge challenge for caregivers looking after a person with dementia. Here are a few useful tips. Let us know which one you find helpful. Tips for Bathing For some people bath time can be a frightening, confusing experience.  Plan the bath or shower for the time of day when the person is most calm and agreeable. Be consistent. Try to develop a routine. Tell the person what you are going to do, step by step, and allow…
  • Stanford Medicine: Arts and Humanities in Medicine
    The world of medicine is beginning to increasingly acknowledge the potential of expressive arts therapies such as art, music, drama, dance/movement, poetry/creative writing and play in the context of healing, treatment, psychotherapy, counselling and rehabilitation. Activities such as drawing, drumming, creative movement and play acting allow individuals of all ages to express deep-seated thoughts and feelings, improve physical, mental and emotional well-being and boost self-esteem and…
  • Dos and Don'ts of communicating with a person with Dementia
    Communicating with a person with dementia can be quite a challenge. There are some tips that can definitely help get the attention of the person and not agitate them. Here are some Dos and Don'ts. DO's DON'Ts Approach from the front, make eye contact and introduce yourself if necessary Don’t wave hand while talking as person’s attention could be distracted Speak slowly, calmly and use a friendly facial expression Don’t talk too fast or shout. Shouting out could have negative effect…
  • Simple Tips for Caregivers of Persons with Dementia!
    Tips for Caregivers Dementia is a general term for decline in a person's mental ability that is severe enough to interfere with his/her daily life. It may involvememory loss, difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. Dementia is progressive, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse. Even though most cases of dementia come from irreversible causes, there is still much that families can do to help their loved ones continue to function as well as possible for as…