No one wants to end up with a debilitating disease, particularly one like Alzheimer’s. Are there steps that can be taken to slow the disease’s progression?

Experts say the main thing people can do to prevent or slow down Alzheimer’s disease is to stimulate their brains.

Whether a person is in a care facility or receiving home care services, brain stimulation activities can and should be done on a regular basis.

Exercise and physical activity

Exercise and physical activity can have lots of benefits for people with Alzheimer's. It can help regulate their sleep and prevent restlessness and sleeplessness in the evening. It can also help maintain a positive mood and lower the risk of them developing depression.

Physical activities may include:

Walking around their neighborhood or a local park

Depending on age and fitness, you could try tandem biking

Water aerobics – health and fitness centers often have workshops and classes specifically for elderly people or people with Alzheimers

Fishing

Work on Puzzles

We love puzzles because they’re like exercise for the brain. A person has to exercise their problem-solving ability, as well as making sense of the shapes to complete the picture in front of them.

Reminisce about their life

Long-term memory often remains stronger for longer in people living with Alzheimers. It can be wonderful to engage your loved ones in discussions or activities about their lives. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for you to learn more about your loved one.

Some ideas include:

Interview your loved one about their life using a video recorder

Talk to them about their life, their childhood, and their family

Look through photos and make a photo album

Watch family videos together

Ask them about their favorite memories around a particular topic, such as their favorite holiday or oldest friend

Simulate handy tasks
If your aging relative always loved to tinker, suggest a project with visible results. Painting wooden boards and fitting together PVC pipes are good activities for seniors with high motor function. Wooden or plastic play tools provide a similar experience for people with Alzheimers.

Untie knots
Tie loose knots along a thick rope. The elderly person may enjoy untying them, though avoid making the knots too tight or using a rough rope.

Connect with others: Make phone or video calls to friends and loved ones. Host a virtual tea, coffee time, or happy hour. Take the time to write them a note or card. Chances are, they’re bored at home, too, and will welcome the connection!

Read the Newspaper Together

This may not seem like a big deal, but reading is also a form of mental exercise. Reading about current events can help stimulate both memories and emotions as well.

Perseverance and flexibility are key

If your loved one isn’t interested in the activity or seems resistant, just take a break and try again later. You could also try a different activity or ask your loved one how you could make this one more enjoyable for them. You should also focus on the process of the activity, not the results – what matters most is that your loved one enjoys the time and feels useful.