While a doctor has probably prescribed several medications to help with the depression, sleeping problems and anxiety that often accompany Alzheimer's disease, there are other strategies you can use to help your loved one cope with these issues. For instance, any kind of exercise, be it walking, swimming or even tai chi, is fun, stimulating and can help improve sleep.
Additionally, most people with Alzheimer's disease, particularly in the earlier stages, prefer to do useful and purposeful activities rather than be entertained, but they need cueing and guidance to stay on task. So try involving them in some modified housework or volunteer work (folding laundry, dusting or stuffing envelopes).
Failure-free social events with other Alzheimer's disease families are also a great idea—picnics or cultural events where no one has to remember names and where there is a greater tolerance for unusual behavior. Also, music seems to be universally appealing—many people can remember lyrics or how to play instruments that they learned as children.
It's also very important that you register your loved one with the Alzheimer's Association's Safe Return program, a national program that helps locate lost and wandering people before they get hurt. Visit: www.alz.org.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.