MindStart: Blog Posts

Thanksgiving Activity for Dementia

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 00:00:00 EST

Thanksgiving is approaching, a holiday rich with traditions and things that stimulate the senses (hello, turkey and pumpkin pie!). It is a wonderful time for reminiscing and connecting. To make it easy, I have put together this Thanksgiving 'Fill the Plate' Activity that can be used as a tool to engage in activity and conversation with the person with Alzheimer's or other form of dementia. Long-term memories stay with the person with dementia longer, so tapping into those is a wonderful activity and way to connect. Use these prompts to spark memories, laughter and joy! It can even be done as an activity with the larger family, kids and grandkids, with each person sharing a memory or a favorite.

"Fill the Plate" Thanksgiving Activity for Dementia

Items needed:

A dry erase board or big piece of paper to write on
A picture of a Thanksgiving meal plate of food (i.e. with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, etc.), taken from the internet or magazine

Tell the group that you planning or helping to plan a Thanksgiving dinner and need their help in choosing the menu! Show them the picture of a Thanksgiving meal plate, then ask - "What food would you put on your Thanksgiving plate?". You may need to periodically remind the person of this main question. Offer prompts, as needed, as suggested below:

What turkey meat would you have? - dark or white meat? would you have ham or other meat?
What vegetable would you have? - corn, peas, green beans, sweet potatoes?
What kind of dressing would you have? - corn bread or white bread? stuffed in the bird or on the outside?
What about mashed potatoes? - with gravy or not? how do you prevent lumps in the gravy?
What kind of salad would you have? - cranberry or jello?
What kind of bread would you have? - dinner rolls, biscuits, or cornbread?
What kind of pie would you have? - pumpkin, apple, cherry, pecan? topped with whipped topping or ice cream?

"Fill the Plate" can be a great activity to start conversations and reminisce. You can even extend the activity to talking about traditions, like who hosted Thanksgiving, watching football or parades, etc. You could ask what else might be on the table, such as special dinnerware. You could do a related activity, such as an Autumn or Raking puzzle.

If you give this activity a try, let us know how it goes for the person with dementia in your life. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

We have put together a free set of Holiday Reminiscing Sheets that are perfect for sparking memories and conversation with the person with dementia. Access the set by clicking below!

Gifts Ideas for the Mother with Dementia

Fri, 3 May 2019 00:00:00 EST

Have you been wondering what you might do or what gift you might give, to make Mother's Day special for the mom with dementia? Thinking a bit outside the box and considering not only gift items to purchase, but also opportunities for a meaningful experience, can be the answer.

Mother's Day Gifts Appropriate for Dementia

Put together a This Is My Life storybook together, complete with details from her life and photos - great to use for reminiscing.
A trip to local bakery, during the quieter afternoon, for a cup of tea and a treat
Flowers or a floral plant provide sensory stimulation with their bright color and scents
A simple food treat like a favorite muffin, ice cream, or even a juicy piece of watermelon
Books that can be enjoyed together, such as the Praise and Glory book/CD set, Celebrating America book/CD set, or the Finishing Lines books. All of these can be re-used over and over, to provide many fun moments together.
A soft blanket can provide comfort and fringes on the edge can give a person who fidgets, something to manipulate
A walk in the sun or park can give the gift of nature and fresh air
Headphones and an ipod with favorite songs loaded on it can provide moments of joy and comfort
Try a simple puzzle, like this 24 piece Gardening puzzle, 24 piece Baking puzzle, 12 piece Flower puzzle, or 12 piece Vegetable puzzle
Lavender spray which can be applied to a pillow or blanket for a calming effect
A decorative nightlight that looks nice, but also helps decrease the fall risk when she gets up at night
Items to sort or fold (good for lower levels), like old silverware, large buttons, colored socks, cloth napkins or scarves
A thick robe that can keep her warm and even absorb water after a shower, making drying off easier
Colored pencils or simple paints, with simple coloring sheets.

Truly, being in the moment together and enjoying each other, as you are now, is really all you need to honor Mother's Day. I hope the day is filled with joy for you all.

10 Signs that Indicate Alzheimer's

Thu, 8 Nov 2018 00:00:00 EST

Early detection is important for Alzheimer's disease, or related dementias. Treatments and lifestyle modifications may help to slow the disease and plans about the future can be made. Also, some symptoms may be due to reversible causes of dementia, such as metabolic imbalances, that can be treated and resolved. Here are 10 early signs of Alzheimer's that you should not ignore:

Memory Loss: Occasional misplacing of items or forgetting to bring an item is a normal part of daily life. Memory loss that may indicate Alzheimer's is when a person forgets or mixes up events or appointments; repeats him or herself during conversation or repeats a question; forgets recent conversations; or is using more reminder notes or lists to try and keep things straight.
Poor planning and problem solving: Alzheimer's can cause a person to have trouble planning ahead, resulting in mistakes. Examples include running out of medications, wearing the wrong clothing for the weather and paying the bills late. Difficulty solving problems can also occur and can pose a danger, as the person has trouble knowing what to do when unexpected factors arise. For instance, knowing what to do when a pan starts smoking, when there is sudden construction on the road when driving, or how to find the way in an area that is unfamiliar.
Difficulty with everyday tasks: If you notice pills dropped on the ground or pill bottles that never run out, pans with burned spots, a refrigerator with moldy food, bills that are not being paid, and a negligence to one's appearance, the person may be experiencing dementia-related symptoms that make it difficult to perform daily tasks correctly, safely, and efficiently.
Disorientation: This means the person may be mixed up to what day or month it is, or even the time of day. He or she may get lost even when in familiar malls or neighborhoods.
Changes in visual perceptions: How the person sees and interprets the world changes with Alzheimer's disease. So the person may miss seeing a yield sign when driving, may have trouble recognizing a familiar friend or neighbor, or may not be able to find an item
Trouble with words and conversation: The person with Alzheimer's may forget the name of an item, may struggle to find the right word in conversation, or may lose track of the thread of the conversation. He or she might also repeat things.
Losing things: Misplacing items is normal but the person experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's may put items in odd spots and not be able to retrace steps to find them. Examples include a tv remote in the refrigerator, the keys in the mailbox, and money stuffed under a cushion.
Poor judgement: Early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include lapses in judgement and difficulty with making decisions. For example, the person might overspend on items not needed, set the newspaper next to the open flame on the stove, or save old food in an attempt to save money. The person may go on a walk, but forget to put on a coat for the cold weather. Lapses in judgement can pose risks for the person, including starting fires, getting sick from poor food handling and storage, and accidents when driving.
Staying at home more and losing connections with friends: Withdrawing from outside activities and friends can be a warning sign of Alzheimer's disease. Since outside life has so many more variables and encounters, the person may retreat to their home, where things are less confusing and more routine.
Mood or personality changes: Changes in behavior are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The person may be anxious, depressed, suspicious, and may have angry outbursts, that out of character from their norm. This is due to the trouble the person has with interpreting the world around them and knowing how to respond. For instance, the person may suspicious their things are being stolen but it is actually due to the person misplacing or hiding things and forgetting where they were put.

If you or someone in your family is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek care from a physician. Evaluating and addressing the symptoms early may help to ease the symptoms, slow the rate of progression of the disease, reduce the risks of accidents and self-neglect, give time to educate oneself about Alzheimer's disease and its general progression, and give time for planning for the future. Want more dementia care tips, delivered to your inbox? Click below.

Music - A Meaningful and Magical Activity for Dementia

Thu, 22 Mar 2018 00:00:00 EST

One of the most successful approaches to help dementia is not a medicine, an exercise, or a certain product. It is not hard to find or expensive to get. It can make forgotten words start to flow and turn a sour or tired mood into one of joy and energy.

What is this magical approach that works so well in dementia care? It is simply music. But why does it work so well?

A Meaningful Activity for Dementia Care

Have you ever heard a song and suddenly a strong memory of an occasion or person comes to mind? Music often has emotion tied to it, which makes it a stronger memory. Because of that, music can trigger memories that otherwise might not be accessible for the person with dementia. It can be a wonderful way for family and friends to connect, especially when typical conversation may be difficult for the person. Music can also have ties to certain events or holidays, such as patriotic music, spiritual music, or childhood songs. This again can trigger memories and even help with orientation to time of year - for example, Jingle Bells sung at Christmas time.

See Celebrating America & Hymns and Praise Picture/CD Books

Remembering Music

I have witnessed firsthand, in my work as an occupational therapist, people with dementia who cannot remember names of long-time friends or what they ate for lunch, but can remember the words and melody of familiar songs. Why is that? Music is unique because it is not stored in just one part of the brain; instead, it is stored in both sides of the brain. Also, different aspects of the music are processed in different parts of the brain; for example, the words, melody, and tempo are all processed differently. Because music is in multiple places across the brain, it is more likely to be spared from the brain damage of Alzheimer's or other form of dementia.

See Finishing Lyrics Book of familiar songs

Effective in All Stages of Dementia

The last reason music works so well in dementia care, is that it works in all stages of dementia. Those in early stage dementia can listen to new music and new styles, as a way to stimulate cognition. They can also try their hand at producing music, such as singing in a choir, playing hand bells, or even a drumming group.

In the later stages of dementia, familiar and favorite music can be played for the person, to foster positive emotions, connections with other people, and as a meaningful and engaging activity. The Music and Memory program has successfully brought personalized music to thousands of nursing home residents in every state of the US and in countries beyond. Research on the program has shown it to be effective in reducing the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, so incorporating music at all stages of dementia care can be so beneficial.

Official Music Therapy is also very successful. Music Therapist Kristin says "Family members have said that music therapy gave them an opportunity to sing or dance with their loved one again." To learn more, visit the American Music Therapy Association.

Music is powerful - even magical. I have many times experience goosebumps on my arms when playing in my college band or when listening to a powerful, live musical event. And there are certain songs that bring me right back to a particular moment or person in my life. I am sure you can recount similar experiences. Using the power and magic of music with people with dementia is an easy, accessible, and inexpensive 'therapy' that can have incredible results. It doesn't matter if you sing out of key - just enjoy the meaningful moments together!

How Common Is Alzheimer's?

Wed, 1 Nov 2017 00:00:00 EST

November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Throughout the month, we will be sharing things that will help you to understand more about this disease, to help both people living with the disease and caregivers. To start, let's look at how common Alzheimer's is, including the impact of age and gender.

The Alzheimer's Association Facts and Figures report for 2017 shares the in-depth statistics about Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias. Some of the key stats include:

More than 5 million Americans live with Alzheimer's disease
By 2050, it could be 16 million
Every 66 seconds someone in the US develops Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's is the 6th leading cause of death
1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer's or other form of dementia. The older you are, the higher your risk.
But also, Alzheimer's can start in people younger than 50
Women are affected more often than men - almost 2/3 are women.
Alzheimer's kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined
Deaths from disease have declined, while Alzheimer's continues to rise - an 89% increase since 2010.

The statistics are sobering. I can personally attest to the point that the older a person is, the more likely they are to develop Alzheimer's disease from my occupational therapy practice with older adults. Although not formally tracked, it was pretty evident when most of my age 85+ patients would have at least a mild cognitive impairment when given a screen test. This was not just forgetfulness of "old age" but forgetfulness that led to mistakes or confusion.

Research is working hard to figure out how and why people develop Alzheimer's disease. Is it what we eat? Our environment? Our lifetime level of stimulating our brain? Our level of physical activity? Unfortunately, there is not one singular identified cause, but rather a mix of many variables. That is what makes developing treatments so difficult.

For now, some of our best defenses is simply learning what Alzheimer's is - and isn't - and how to best help affected people to live their best days despite the disease. Keep reading our Alzheimer's Awareness series of articles to become educated and empowered.

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July 4 Activities for Dementia

Sun, 2 Jul 2017 00:00:00 EST

The Fourth of July holiday is a popular time to bring out red, white, and blue decorations and food recipes. It is also a time when family and friends come together to celebrate and enjoy each other's company. The person living with Alzheimer's, or other form of dementia, may not be able to celebrate in the same way as previous, but these simple activities we selected are 'just right' to do together.

July 4 Activities for Dementia

Patriotic Painting Activity for Dementia

Get a handful of bendy straws, tape, red and blue paint, and white paper to make this fun and easy painting activity!

Tape together 5 or 6 straws just below the 'bend'. Make 2 sets of straws, if you want to use one for each color. Or use one set and let the paint mix!
Dip the straw bundle into red paint and then press onto the paper. Do the same with the blue, overlapping the red markings.

Hint: You may need to press down each straw end into the paint and then onto the paper, to be sure paint is applying underneath. Let the artwork dry and hang as a fun and easy homemade July 4 decoration!

Patriotic Fruit Snack Activity for Dementia

All you need for this patriotic snack is blueberries, watermelon, wooden skewers, and a star shaped cookie cutter.

Cut a 1/2 inch or so slice of watermelon that is big enough to fit your star shape
Use the cookie cutter to cut a star shaped piece of watermelon - an easy step for early to middle stage dementia.
Push blueberries onto the skewer, about 5 of them - another one step activity good for people with dementia. Push the blueberries down far enough to leave room for the watermelon star at top.
Add the watermelon star to the end of the skewer, without pushing it all the way through.
Enjoy this July 4 snack that is also refreshing and healthy!

See below for July 4 activity products appropriate for dementia. Happy celebrating!

Video Activity for Dementia: Signs of Spring

Thu, 27 Apr 2017 00:00:00 EST

Signs of Spring Video Activity for Dementia

Watch this video with the person with dementia to spark conversations and joy, as you think of the common signs of spring. Pause, as needed, to give plenty of time for the person to look at the images.

Some questions you might ask with the video include:

Did you ever grow tulips?
What do you think the mama bird feeds the babies?
Did you ever have rabbits in your yard?
Have you seen a baby duckling?
Did you do things to clean up your yard in spring?

Enjoy!!

Activities for Dementia: Celebrating Spring!

Wed, 26 Apr 2017 00:00:00 EST

Spring is a glorious time of year! It offers many opportunities for activities that people with dementia can enjoy. Give one of these a try!

Spring Activities for Dementia

Springtime is when most animals lay their eggs or have their babies. You might see a baby bunny, baby goslings, or a robin's eggs. The birds are also often chirping away. Get a bird feeder so you can watch the birds, visit a local nature center or humane society with small animals to view, or check out a picture book from the library with baby animals to enjoy and talk about.

Flowers will start to shoot up and bud in the spring. Plant some pansies or visit an arboretum or garden center and look at and smell daffodils, lilacs, and tulips. For activity ideas that use plants, such as making dried lavender sachets or doing small grass plantings, see the book A Calendar Year of Horticulture Therapy. The sensory experience of handling flowers, soil, and grass can be enjoyed by people at all stages of dementia. Planting potted herbs in another great activity with sensory benefits.

Sample Activity from "A Calendar
Year of Horticulture Therapy"

Major league baseball has started up. If the person with dementia was a sports enthusiast, find a game on tv to watch or head to a local ballpark for a little league game. You can also spend time oiling a baseball glove or looking at and talking about old baseball caps.

Make a spring-inspired treat! These Cinnamon Biscuit Blossoms from Pillsbury have only 4 ingredients and 3 steps. The person with dementia can help with all steps or just stir the cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle it on, depending on their ability level. All can enjoy the wonderful aroma and taste!

Try our 24 piece Spring puzzle, 12 piece Flowers puzzle, or 24 piece Baseball puzzle. Also, our Flowers coloring book, which are simplified yet made for an adult.

Dementia Activities: Celebrating St. Patrick's Day

Tue, 14 Mar 2017 00:00:00 EST

Saint Patrick's Day celebrates Irish culture and remembers St. Patrick, a patron saint of Ireland. He brought lessons of Christianity to Ireland and the Celtic cross symbol, by combining a sun, a powerful Irish symbol, with a Christian cross. Other things over the years have been tied to St. Patrick's Day, such as shamrocks, leprechauns, and wearing green. It is said if you wear green, you will be invisible to leprechauns and will avoid their pinches! This holiday offers many opportunities for conversation and activities for the person with dementia.

Some fun facts from the History Channel:

Irish soda bread gets its name and uniqueness from the use of baking soda rather than yeast as a leavening agent.
More than 100 St. Patrick’s Day parades are held across the United States. New York City and Boston have the largest celebrations.
In 2009, about 26.1 billion pounds of corned beef and 2.3 billion pounds of cabbage were produced in the United States!

Dementia Activities for St. Patrick's Day:

Try some Irish food, like Shepherd’s Pie, Corned Beef and Cabbage, and Irish Soda Bread.
Sing some popular Irish songs: When Irish Eyes are Smiling; Irish Lullaby; I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover; Danny Boy
Enjoy a rainbow snack: Line up colored Froot Loop cereal to create a rainbow. Then eat! Create a sample first, that the person can follow.
Do a shamrock craft: Dip a large marshmallow into green paint and stamp it 3 times, to make a 3 leaf clover. Use a paintbrush to add the stem of the clover.
Play a St. Patrick's Day Bingo word game (see printable game here)

And, of course, an easy thing all an do is wear the color green! Hope that gives some ideas for activities for St. Patrick's Day, to do with the person with dementia.

Need more activity ideas or not sure how to adapt activities for those with dementia? Sign up to receive our e-news, filled with activity ideas and dementia care tips.

Activities to Engage the Person the Dementia

Mon, 13 Mar 2017 00:00:00 EST

Studies show the benefits of engaging persons with memory loss in “doing things” – including cognitive stimulation, decreased behaviors, better sleep, and increased feelings of self-worth. But caregivers might find it challenging to find appropriate things for the person to do.

Some ideas include:

Watching birds gather at a feeder
Looking at photos from the person's youth
Watching shows or videos featuring animals or babies
Sorting socks or buttons by color

The activity you choose will depend on the person's current abilities and interests. To give you some ideas to start from, we have put together this list of 50 Activities for the Mind, Body, and Spirit of the Person with Dementia. It includes ideas for both higher and levels, to help the person feel useful and successful, and to help caregivers structure the time. Click the ACCESS NOW image above to receive your list.

Also, check out our useful Dementia Activities page for tips on how to choose the appropriate activities.