How to Entertain Someone with Alzheimer's Disease

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By karma
User-Submitted Article

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(12 Ratings)

In the early to mid stages of Alzheimer's Disease these things will work to enrich the life of your loved one or patient.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Radio
CD Player
Record Player
Anything that plays music
Imagination

Step 1

It's amazing how a person can be memory impaired but can still remember the words to a song. Music is wonderful for the person with Alzheimer's. Any way you can bring music to the person, I recommend doing so.
Step 2

It's nice if you can provide music from the person's past. Your loved one or patient will sing or hum along. It's the long term memory that stays in tact the longest.
Step 3

Another fun thing you can do to help pass time is to play games. Verbal games for example; Name Names. Boy names and girl names. You could say a boy's name then your loved one or patient could say a girl's name. Be inventive for example; you could name animal breeds. Keep it simple.

Tips & Warnings

If you know the person's musical tastes find music they are familiar with.
If not, any music is good.
Music boxes are great. Especially at bedtime.
No need for rules when playing games, keep it simple.
If the person is tired, don't push anything on them.
If they take 2 turns or repeat the same name over again, so what!
You do not want to add more confusion to an already confused mind.

Comments

eac913 said

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on 10/27/2009 I will have to try this with my Great Aunt. Thanks for the wonderful advice on How to Entertain Someone With Alzheimer's Disease. 5*

look4writing said

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on 10/27/2009 I had no idea that music was good for them?My mom has that. 5* and Rec for this tip

look4writing

soanyway said

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on 5/28/2009 My mom loves her music! She has a rare brain disease that mimicks Alzheimers, with added blindness and terrible hullicinations, music always settles her down. Good ariticle!