Health Tip: Activities for People With Alzheimer's

Suggestions to keep busy

Related Encyclopedia • Acoustic Neurinoma • Alzheimer's Disease • Bell's Palsy • Brain and Spinal Cord Magnetic Resonance Imaging More... Related Healthscout Videos The On-X Valve PROACT Trial The On-X Heart Valve: Longevity With Less Reliance on Coumadin Tissue Valves vs. Mechanical Valves What is the difference between heart valve repair and replacement? More... Related Animations • Alzheimer's Disease Video Animation • Erectile Dysfunction • What is a Heart Attack? More... Related Drug Information • Actonel • Adderal XR • Concerta • Coumadin More... Related News Articles • Larger Men at Greater Risk for Atrial Fibrillation • Flu Strikes a Milder Blow This Season • FDA Panel Snubs Seroquel as 1st Choice Depression Treatment • Where is the Wisdom? More...

(HealthDay News) -- People with Alzheimer's disease should be kept busy, both mentally and physically. This can be a challenge.

Text Continues Below

---

The National Institute on Aging says building on current skills generally works better than trying to learn something new. The agency offers these suggestions:

• Keep activities simple and at the person's level.
• Offer more support as the person gets started, and break the activity into small steps.
• Don't push any activity if you notice the person getting agitated.
• If the person enjoys certain activities, try to make them part of a daily routine.
• Have the person assist in the entire routine. At mealtime, for instance, have the person help set the table, make the food and clean up afterward.

-- Diana Kohnle