Elderly people often become bored because they're not able to do as much as they used to. This could be because of ill health, or because they're no longer working and miss the daily structure and buzz that work brings, or maybe their memory loss means they simply can't do the activities they used to love.
Games are an excellent way to keep busy and sharpen mental skills. From board games to brain games like puzzles or crosswords, there is a wide range of interesting games to choose from. Certain games, like bingo, can also be played in group settings and can encourage social interaction and fun between patients.
A person with dementia is much more likely to become withdrawn because they feel isolated or bored. Many people with dementia spend much of their time alone or, even if they are with others, there may not be much conversation between them.
Coping Strategy. "Don't stress. Recognize that some things may become more difficult for you to do. Try to accept that these changes are out of your control and focus on the things you can still do."
I'm going to discuss five of the most basic ones here: 1) Don't tell them they are wrong about something, 2) Don't argue with them, 3) Don't ask if they remember something, 4) Don't remind them that their spouse, parent or other loved one is dead, and 5) Don't bring up topics that may upset them.
Receiving a life-changing dementia diagnosis doesn't strip a person of their humanity or personhood. People with dementia think about the same things that any human thinks about — emotions, relationships, daily life, tasks to accomplish, and more.
People with dementia can still have nice feelings too. They can feel happy, safe and calm. Some people with dementia may seem like their usual self a lot of the time and you may only notice small changes every now and then. Some people with dementia may not have as many good days.
Listening to music, dancing, or contact with babies, children or animals provide positive feelings. People with dementia often have excellent memories of past events, and looking through old photos, memorabilia and books can help the person to recall earlier times.
Playing music, having objects to touch and interact with, and hand massage can all help people with dementia in the later stages. Playlist for Life is a music and dementia charity. It promotes how music with personal meaning can help people with dementia. You can find and listen to existing playlists, or make your own.
Some people with dementia choose to live alone. You may feel happier and more in control in your own home, where you can keep your routines and stay in your community. Keeping your independence may also be important to you. Some people live alone because of their circumstances.
Yet taking on a new hobby as one ages might provide an important defense against dementia, some experts say.
People with dementia begin to feel lost, confused, and insecure. Attention-seeking behavior displayed by needy elderly people with dementia is their way of asking for help.
Creative hobbies like painting, quilting, pottery or woodworking could help keep your brain sharp as you get older.
Alzheimer's disease does not change a person's need for love and affection, but it changes many aspects of a relationship. You may lose the companionship of someone who has been close and important to you. You'll need to find different ways to express your feelings.
The average life expectancy figures for the most common types of dementia are as follows: Alzheimer's disease – around eight to 10 years. Life expectancy is less if the person is diagnosed in their 80s or 90s. A few people with Alzheimer's live for longer, sometimes for 15 or even 20 years.
The reason Alzheimer's is referred to as the “long goodbye” is because it is the longest goodbye you will ever have. Let me explain. When someone receives an Alzheimer's diagnosis, the grieving process starts. This begins the loss of what they thought their life would look like.
People with dementia experience changes in how they perceive things. This includes misperceptions and misidentifications, hallucinations, delusions and time-shifting.
Alzheimer's disease progressively destroys brain cells over time, so during the early stages of dementia, many do recognize something is wrong, but not everyone is aware. They may know they are supposed to recognize you, but they can't.
Those who watched the most television daily — more than four hours — were 24% more likely to develop dementia. Those who used computers interactively (not passively streaming) more than one hour daily as a leisure activity were 15% less likely to develop dementia.
Anxiety and depression can make symptoms of dementia worse — particularly symptoms that affect a person's attention, short-term memory, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Depression may also change behaviors, with patients becoming agitated and aggressive or experiencing problems sleeping and eating.