MindStart Activity Levels

The ability to do activities, or activity level, changes during the different stages of dementia. Consider this, along with other factors, such as life history and type of activity desired, when choosing appopriate activities for the person with dementia you know. Note that this is only a guide, not rigid rules. A person who has done puzzles for years, may not need a simpler puzzle for longer than someone who rarely does puzzles.

MindStart Activity Levels
High Activity Level	Middle Activity Level	Low Activity Level
Early stage dementia	Middle stage dementia	Late stage dementia
Dresses self with occasional errors; needs help with details	Dresses with help for the basic steps and details	Needs physical help with all the steps
Understands the goal of the task; uses what is seen as cues for what to do	Doesn’t understand the goal but has some awareness of task steps	Doesn’t understand the goal or task steps
Needs periodic cuing	Needs step by step cuing	Caregiver physical assist; hand over hand
Simplify when needed to basic games, short reading materials, and other easier items	Ability to match and sort; hands on activities; reminiscing	Repetitive tasks and sensory experiences
*Rainbow Bingo*	*Rainbow Bingo*	*Rainbow Bingo*
*Facility Word Search Book*	*Facility Word Search Book*	*Facility Word Search Book*
	*Basic Word Search Book*	*Basic Word Search Book*
*26 piece puzzles*	*12 piece puzzles*
*Look and Lace*	*Look and Lace*	*Look and Lace*
*This Is My Life memory book*	*This Is My Life memory book*	*This Is My Life memory book*
*American Folk Art Designs coloring book*	*American Folk Art Designs coloring book*
*I Still Enjoy a Good Laugh guide*