By: Melinda Mattson
Early onset Alzheimer’s disease brings changes on every level, but perhaps none as distressing as those which affect the mind. One of the cruel realities of the disease is the damage to the brain for the individual with early onset Alzheimer’s. While there is no known cure to stop this process, there are things we can do to slow the progress of the disease and keep our loved one’s mind active.
Noticing your loved one lose their train of thought or not recognize familiar places can be frightening. The progression of the disease can seem like a foregone conclusion leaving care partners feeling helpless and defenseless. But the adage “the best defense is good offense” is especially true for care partners and their loved ones.
You have likely heard the benefits of brain games for staving-off the onset of dementia, but you may not know mentally stimulating activities can help those living with early onset Alzheimer’s disease as well. “Research studies suggest that exercising the brain can improve the thinking capacity and memory of people with dementia. Regular brain training slows the rate of cognitive decline and improves the quality of life of people with Alzheimer’s disease.” [1] Stimulating activities can delay the decline of cognitive function for individuals with early onset Alzheimer’s and those with other forms of dementia. In addition to improvement in cognitive function, cognitive stimulation improves the disposition and overall quality of life for individuals and their care partners.
A Cochrane Library study review included 15 trials with a total of 718 participants and found that participants with mild to moderate dementia who engaged in these activities twice a week for 45 minutes improved quality of life and they were able to communicate and interact better than previously. [2]
You know your loved one best and know what activities might or might not fit into your life and unique circumstance and stage of disease progression. Here are just a few examples of practical ways to keep the mind active. Find a few you think might bring some enjoyment and benefit to you and yours:
- Listen to music and try to name the instruments you hear playing
- Work on crossword and word puzzles
- Play nostalgic card games
- Read books
- Exercise
- Garden and focus on the sights and smells of the outdoors
- Bake and focus on the aroma in your home
Simple as these activities seem, they do enrich our lives and promote brain health as much as physical exercise does for our body. For those who are looking for additional options, please read Engagement and Activities that Promote Purpose. In this document, we provide suggestions for making everyday activities more meaningful and enjoyable for you and your loved one. In addition to activity ideas, we have provided an expansive list of museums, zoos, and aquariums that can be accessed online.
As always, we at the Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care are here to support you in your journey. If you have any questions about early onset Alzheimer’s disease, please contact us at laura@gaylewells.org. We are here to help.
[1] Max Jones of the Allday Chemist, Five Myths About Alzheimer’s Debunked
[2]Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, February 15, 2012