Dementia and Using the Five Senses

Get Moving

Get Moving with Dementia Research from the Mayo Clinic suggests that physical exercise can provide benefits to those coping with dementia. As dementia progresses, it can affect people differently, but one major side effect can be depression. Exercise not only boosts the mood, but it also help people in a variety of other ways:

Gain strength
Improve flexibility
Enhance balance
Promote relaxation
Maintain cardiovascular health

When someone is battling with dementia, be creative in your approach to physical fitness. To incorporate exercise into a loved one’s routine, it may be difficult with a standard workout program. Instead, try using daily activities to get loved ones moving. Keep in mind that it doesn’t matter how ordinary the activity may seem. The goal is to get the friend or loved one participating in some type of physical movement. Here are some out-of-the-box ideas for encouraging fitness for seniors with dementia:

Feed the birds together
Water plants
Hang clothes up
Wash dishes
Rock baby dolls
Turn on the music and dance
Ride a tandem bicycle
Unload the dishwasher
Dust furniture
Play horseshoes

Set the Stage

For someone who is struggling with dementia, time and place is everything. There are some basic things that can do to create an environment where activities may be better received. Here are some ways to set the stage for success:

Provide substantial lighting
Avoid cluttered or busy spaces (this can be distracting or confusing)
Pick a time when the friend or loved one isn’t tired or sun-downing
Make sure the loved one is well hydrated
Allow plenty of time
Keep things simple and well suited to to loved one’s stage of dementia

Beyond the Senses

beyond senses When planning an activity for someone who is coping with dementia, the plan must remain dynamic. It is very unlikely to finish what is started or that it will turn out exactly as planned. That is why the goal is never the actual activity. The true activity is hearing loves ones laugh, watching them smile and knowing that for a moment they are happy. Someone who is struggling with dementia not only can change on a day-to-day basis, but on a moment-to-moment basis. To remain encouraged, keep an open mind and be willing to try new things.