Dementia: Engaging the Mind and Body 

By: Jillian Lisiakowski, DNP, FNP-C, ACHPN

Dementia is a brain disease and progressively worsens over time. It is a disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Many families struggle to know how to include their loved one with dementia in daily activities. They may also be unsure which activities benefit their loved one’s cognition or behaviors. Participating in activities such as puzzles, looking at old photo albums, and taking a walk are beneficial for patients with dementia and are also a great way to spend quality time with loved ones. Studies show that those who participate in brain-stimulating activities may prevent or slow the development of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Choosing an activity

There are several factors to consider when choosing an activity. It is important to consider what activities or hobbies they previously enjoyed. Evaluate how your loved one feels that day. Are they tired, cold, agitated? Do they seem frustrated or overwhelmed? It is important to remember that their symptoms may vary from day to day, and some activities may be too strenuous or overwhelming at times. Also, consider the safety of your loved ones. Do they need their cane, walker, or wheelchair when walking? Is the walking path you chose level or paved? Are their benches available to rest on? While completing puzzles or looking at photo albums, observe their behavior. If they become frustrated or agitated, suggest taking a break or redirecting them to a different activity that is calm and quiet. Be ready to provide context around photo albums or family movies if the patient cannot recall certain details.

Indoor Activities

Ideas for indoor activities to enjoy with your loved one include board games, cards, and puzzles. These activities stimulate the mind and provide an open space for conversation. They also require fine motor skills when handling puzzle pieces or cards, which is important to maintain. Review old photo albums or family movies and discuss old family stories or patient memories. Old memories are often the last to leave a patient with dementia, and they may enjoy sharing these memories with their family and loved ones. Read books/play audiobooks. Reading large print books may be enjoyable for patients with early to middle stages of dementia. As the disease progresses, they may prefer listening to stories via audiobook. These can be found on applications on your phone and can often be rented from a local library.  Simple chores like setting the table or folding towels may provide a sense of familiarity and routine and allow the patient to feel like they can still contribute in the home.

Outdoor

Getting outside for a short time each day is always beneficial. Fresh air has been linked to healing and improved mood for hundreds of years. If your loved one cannot make it outside, consider sitting by an open window or opening a door for a short time each day. You can also go for a short walk in your neighborhood or at a local park. Be sure to bring any necessary medical equipment, such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. Sit and rest outdoors by watching birds or pets in nature. Raking leaves or sweeping a porch may be light activities that the patient enjoys and can also provide a sense of familiarity and usefulness.  Many patients also enjoy gardening. Raised garden beds can provide easier access to the plants. Planting simple plants or weeding the garden bed encourages both time outside and the use of fine motor skills of the hands and arms.

Completing these activities can be a great way to bond with loved ones while providing the desired mental and physical stimulation. Be sure to include activities and hobbies your loved one enjoyed in the past, as this may increase their interest and willingness to participate. These familiar activities can have a calming and comforting effect and may also slow the cognitive decline of your loved ones with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

References:

Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Activities to enjoy with someone who

has alzheimer’s or dementia. Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. Retrieved January 16, 2025, from https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/kids-teens/50-activities

Schultz, S., Larson, J., Oh, J., Koscik, R., Dowling, M. N., Gallagher, C.

L., Carlsson, C. M., Rowley, H. A., Bendlin, B. B., Asthana, S., Hermann, B. P., Johnson, S. C., Sager, M., LaRue, A., & Okonkwo, O. C. (2015). Participation in cognitively-stimulating activities is associated with brain structure and cognitive function in preclinical alzheimer’s disease. Brain Imaging and Behavior, 9(4), 729–736. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11682-014-9329-5