Too often, people with dementia are under-stimulated and unengaged in their day-to-day life. Meaningful activities that pique the person’s interests and hold their attention are critical for a wide variety of reasons. By providing structure and routine for a person living with dementia, it helps provide a sense of control over their day and their environment, particularly for those in the early stages of the disease. As dementia progresses, these activities can be one of the few ways that they can communicate and still engage their memories.

Here’s a look at a few other benefits meaningful activities offer to those with dementia:

• Increases Mental Stimulation and Cognitive Health: Multiple studies have found that structured activities may slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
• Help With Social Interaction: Activities that focus on socialization help combat feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression.
• Improves Sleep: Providing activities and routine minimizes napping during the day and encourages a better night of sleep.
• Minimizes Behavioral Changes: A study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Society showed that interesting, engaging activities at the right skill level decreased challenging behaviors, such as agitation, repetitive questions and shadowing of caregivers.
• Benefits Caregivers: Meaningful activities not only benefit those with dementia, but also help family caregivers enjoy more positive time with their loved one and less effort dealing with difficult behavior.

Assisting Hands understands the challenges in caring for those with dementia and the importance of providing mental and physical activities and routine. That’s why we’ve partnered with the family of Dr. Gene Cohen to release a fun and engaging game and memory tool. Dr. Cohen held positions at the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Center for Creative Aging and the Center of Aging, Health and Humanities at George Washington University. He was a tireless advocate for the aging population and truly the founding father of geriatric psychiatry. This new game and memory tool will carry on his legacy of service while helping both dementia patients and their families.

Assisting Hands specializes in Alzheimer’s and dementia care and our Dementia Education program is designed to help families and caregivers understand the needs of those affected by these diseases. Our staff is specially trained to address the needs of dementia patients and have received training on communication strategies and creating an environment with the right amount of stimulation. To learn more about our dementia care and new game and memory tool, please click here https://www.assistinghands.com/37/maryland/potomac/services/alzheimers-and-dementia-care/ or call us at 301-363-2580.