15 Best Memory Care Activities for Seniors with Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease

It’s difficult to watch when someone you love has Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. There memory often deteriorates over time, making remembering important details and life events harder. But routinely doing memory care activities can be a huge benefit to individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Benefits from a Memory Care Activity

Memory care activities can help improve memories and cognitive thought for people with these conditions. They’re more than that though. Memory care activities can improve the overall quality of life of those doing the activities, providing emotional support and maintaining independence where possible.

There are nine key benefits to memory care activities:

1. Cognitive Stimulation: These activities are designed to engage and stimulate the brain, which can help slow the progression of memory loss. Routine mental stimulation is believed to strengthen brain cells and their connections, potentially delaying symptoms from worsening.
2. Routine and Structure: Memory care activities provide a sense of routine and structure, something people with memory issues often find comfort in. Familiar routines can often reduce anxiety and confusion, things commonly found in dementia.
3. Emotional and Social Engagement: Many memory care activities encourage social interaction, crucial to emotional well-being. This can reduce feelings of isolation and depression, another trait commonly seen in those with memory impairments.
4. Sensory Stimulation: Activities that stimulate the senses can trigger memories and emotions, providing a connection to past experiences. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who may struggle with short-term memory but have intact long-term memories.
5. Physical Activity: Activities that involve physical movements, like walking or simple exercises, can improve overall health. Physical health is closely linked to mental health, and maintaining physical fitness can help in managing dementia symptoms.
6. Stress Reduction: Engaging in enjoyable activities can reduce stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate memory issues, so activities that promote relaxation can have a positive impact on overall cognitive function.
7. Sense of Purpose and Achievement: Completing tasks and engaging in meaningful activities can provide a sense of purpose and achievement, which is important for self-esteem and quality of life.
8. Behavior Management: For some people with dementia, certain activities can help in managing behavioral issues. For example, music therapy can have a calming effect on those who are agitated.
9. Memory Recall: Activities like reminiscence therapy can help in recalling past memories, which can be a comforting and affirming experience for those with memory loss.

Memory Care Activities to Try

There is no shortage of memory care activities to incorporate into your loved one’s daily routine. This allows your loved one to engage in the activities that they enjoy. With so many options, tailoring the activities to meet their interests is easy.

It’s amazing how many memory care options are similar to those your loved one already enjoys!

While hundreds of activities can help engage your loved one and their memory, we’ve highlighted 15 activities you can try with your loved one.

1. Music Therapy

Music therapy primarily involves listening to music or singing songs. This can trigger both memories and emotions. Music from your loved ones youth or from significant times in their life can be particularly effective.

2. Art Therapy

Engaging in simple art projects like painting or coloring can stimulate creativity and provide a sense of accomplishment.

3. Puzzle Games

Working on things like jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles or simple brain teasers can help in maintaining cognitive function.

4. Reminiscence Therapy

This memory care activity revolves around sharing old photos, telling stories or watching classic movies. This can help in recalling past memories and experiences and is a great way to connect with family members.

5. Gardening

Simple gardening activities can be soothing and provide a sense of purpose.  It can also offer an opportunity to be creative and engage in some physical activity. This can include plating flowers and herbs.

6. Cooking and Baking

Preparing simple recipes can be a fun activity that stimulates the senses and evokes memories. This can also offer an opportunity to build and maintain friendships or relationships with family members.

7. Pet Therapy

Interaction with animals can be calming and comforting. Even watching fish in an aquarium can be beneficial.

8. Walking and Light Exercise

Regular, gentle physical activity like walking or stretching can improve mood and overall well-being.

9. Sensory Stimulation

Activities like using scented lotions, touching different textures, or tasting various flavors can stimulate the senses. It can also engage in memories due to the strong link between the senses and that part of the brain.

10 Simple Board Games or Card Games

Games that are familiar and not too complex can be enjoyable and stimulating. It’s also a great opportunity to practice memory and be social.

11. Crafts and Handiwork

Simple crafts like knitting, sewing, or assembling model kits can be both engaging and rewarding.

12. Reading and Storytelling

Reading out loud or listening to audiobooks can be both relaxing and stimulating.

13. Memory Boxes

Creating a box filled with personal items and mementos can spark conversations and memories.

14. Interactive Technology

Using tablets with simple apps designed for dementia patients can provide cognitive stimulation.

15. Group Activities

Participating in group activities in a community setting can provide social interaction and a sense of belonging.

It’s important to note that these are just ideas for memory care activities. These activities should be tailored to your loved ones’ interests, needs and abilities. Engaging in these activities routinely can help maintain cognitive abilities and improve the quality of life of your loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Start Engaging with Your Elderly Loved One

Take these ideas to start engaging with your aging loved one in a new way. It’s essential to practice memory activities to improve their quality of life.

If helping them becomes too much, it may be time to consider finding a skilled memory care facility. Contact us today to learn more.