Memory loss is one of the most common symptoms associated with dementia, and over time, it can worsen for seniors, making daily life more challenging. There are tasks and projects seniors can take up to boost their memory and strengthen other intellectual functions. Here are several purposeful activities that provide support for older adults with dementia who have memory loss.
1. Playing Board Games
When choosing memory loss support activities for an older loved one with dementia, begin with games or tasks your loved one is familiar with, such as board games. Trying to learn new activities could confuse your loved one and increase the risk of combative behavior. However, playing familiar board games could trigger memories and make the game more personal. Allow your parent to go at his or her own pace when playing games, and never interrupt when he or she is discussing a memory associated with the activity.
Aging adults who need help managing mental and physical health issues can benefit from the assistance of highly trained professional caregivers. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of at-home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
2. Gardening
Stress can cause memory loss and other dementia symptoms to accelerate and lead to other chronic changes. However, gardening can provide a creative, stress-free space that alleviates the mental discomfort associated with dementia. In some instances, the activity may help your loved one regain lost skills and increase his or her attention span. Assisting with gardening activities could result in better orientation to time and place and increase your loved one’s brain volume.
3. Dancing
Dancing is a physical activity that can have positive effects on the hippocampus region of the brain. This area generally controls learning, balance, and memory. By adding dancing to his or her weekly routine, your parent can slow down brain aging and increase cognitive function. Promote activities like dancing because the physical movements can maximize brain function, regardless of the stage of dementia or the progression of memory loss.
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Lakewood Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
4. Performing Yoga
Yoga can increase brain functioning in seniors with dementia and reduce various issues associated with the condition, such as depression and poor memory. The chanting, breathing techniques, movements, and other aspects of yoga could strengthen your parent’s verbal and visual skills. While practicing yoga, your loved one will need to use his or her focusing abilities, which could increase awareness. Taking up yoga can help seniors with various memory-related tasks, such as remembering the names and faces of familiar people.
5. Singing
Musical memories are often preserved even as dementia progresses because specific areas of the brain go relatively undamaged. Whether your loved one sings alone or joins the family in a sing-along activity, it could boost the levels of acetylcholine—a compound that functions as a neurotransmitter—throughout the body. Singing can also enhance mood and lower the risk of depression.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Lakewood families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Home Care Assistance today at (303) 987-5992.