4 Surprising Activities to Help Improve Memory for Alzheimer’s and Dementia 

If have dementia or Alzheimer’s, you don’t to watch life’s memories slip past you. Find out here 4 memory exercises for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Do you have a loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s or dementia? 

If so, you probably already know that there’s nothing out there that can cure their disease. However, this doesn’t mean that all hope is lost. 

While there may not be a cure for Alzheimer’s or dementia in this lifetime, there are things you can do to help improve the memory of someone with this disease. 

Check out this guide to learn the best memory exercises for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

1. Puzzles 

Puzzles are one of the best ways to challenge your brain on a daily basis. Plus, doing a puzzle is incredibly relaxing and affordable. 

In addition to jigsaw puzzles, you can and your loved one can do crossword puzzles, Sudoku, word searches, and word scrambles. 

However, keep in mind that as a dementia patient, your loved one’s memory and cognitive abilities won’t be as sharp as they once were. This means that while they may be used to be able to tackle 1000 piece puzzles with ease, 250 or 500 piece puzzles may be better suited for them now. 

You can even create personalized puzzles online using family photos or familiar images. This will help them stimulate memories associated with the pictures. 

You can also check out these Alzheimer’s games to try with your loved one. 

2. Exercise 

Exercise isn’t just beneficial for physical health, it’s also beneficial for mental health and memory. 

By doing just 30 minutes of exercise 3 to 5 times per week, your chances of memory loss associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s decreases significantly. Plus, blood flow to the brain encourages the growth of new brain cells. 

However, don’t force your loved one to take up anything too strenuous. Even just going for a walk, swim, or bike ride a few times a week can make a big difference. 

Plus, the rise in endorphins can help boost their mood and combat loneliness. 

3. Gardening 

If you’ve ever spent time gardening before, then you know how peaceful and relaxing of an activity it can be. 

Through the stress-free and peaceful environment that gardening provides, you’ll be able to help eliminate some of the mental discomforts that come with Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

However, keep in mind that gardening can be a strenuous activity, so you may need to hire someone to do the heavy lifting. 

Or, if outdoor gardening isn’t an option, there are plenty of kits out there today that allow you to grow your own indoor garden. 

4. Meditation and Yoga 

Meditation and yoga are more popular than ever and for a good reason. 

Not only do these activities reduce stress and anxiety, but they also help those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. 

In fact, a recent study looked at older adults experiencing memory issues. In the study, the adults practiced some form of yoga or meditation for 12 minutes a day for 12 weeks straight. 

After 3 months, researchers took blood samples and found that there were changes in certain cell markers related to Alzheimer’s disease. 

Are You Ready to Try These Memory Exercises for Seniors?

As you can see, there are many memory exercises for seniors that are worth trying! 

It is worth it to help someone with these types of problems remember what they can. 

If you liked this article, be sure to check back on our website for more dementia-related news and tips!