Article written by Evelyn Sizemore, Program Director, OASIS Adult Day Services, Tulsa, OK
Source: Alzheimer's Association Oklahoma Chapter, Tulsa Resource Center
Below is an excerpt from the article...
Source: Alzheimer's Association Oklahoma Chapter, Tulsa Resource Center
Below is an excerpt from the article...
"In the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) the primary characteristic that is noticed is the loss of recent memory but there may be other symptoms as well. Research suggests that the sense of smell may be one of the first senses lost with the progression of AD. Therefore, activities that address all the senses should help to sustain and maintain the brain that remains. Active involvement in a variety of activities is the key to living with AD.
Plan each day to include as many different types of activities as possible. These should include: Physical, spiritual, intellectual and "sens-ual".
Plan each day to include as many different types of activities as possible. These should include: Physical, spiritual, intellectual and "sens-ual".
Physical activities
Walking is the simplest activity to start and maintain as AD progresses. Any sport or hobby that involves physical movement should be encouraged and participated in on a regular basis. Golf, bowling, biking, gardening, fishing are only a few ideas. Draw from past activities and interests.
Spiritual activities
--- are so much more than going to religious services each week. Anything that touches the heart and emotions touches the spirit as well. Singing hymns, reading scriptures, rocking a baby are ways to touch the soul. Emotions last longer than words. To feel is the be human and we all want that, don't we?
Intellectual
The brain wants to be busy. Don't be afraid of challenges. Puzzles, words games, board games, reading and journaling are some of the ways to challenge ourselves. Try a web search that offers cognitive challenges like: www.happyneuron.com. Any cognitive exercise that involves concentration and study encourages the brain to remain active.
Try a new social group that may be challenging. OASIS Adult Day Services offers a social club for adults newly diagnosed with memory loss. The program offers a supportive environment that will encourage members to remain active and enhance their quality of life. Call OASIS (919-749-6969) for more information about the National Club or visit our website www.OASISADS.org .
Try a new social group that may be challenging. OASIS Adult Day Services offers a social club for adults newly diagnosed with memory loss. The program offers a supportive environment that will encourage members to remain active and enhance their quality of life. Call OASIS (919-749-6969) for more information about the National Club or visit our website www.OASISADS.org .
"Sens-ual"
Involve as many senses as possible. Smell, taste, touch, sight and hearing; all are an important part of brain health. Experiment with taste tests. Maybe a night of wine and cheese tasting sounds like fun to you. How about chocolate? Talk about experiences as you savor the flavors. Music, art, or tactile experiences will use the other senses. Be totally immersed, be involved, using all five senses, in order to gain the most from activities.
EVERYTHING is an activity
The key to quality living with Alzheimer's is to live in the moment... as often as possible"