Having dementia can affect every aspect of your life, from your job to your personal life and relationships. However, having been diagnosed with the disease is not a death sentence. Remember that you are still you – you just have a clinically diagnosed memory and concentration problem.
Each person with dementia will experience it differently. The biggest things that you can do for yourself are to live a fun and active lifestyle and maintain a positive outlook. Additionally, you need a strong support system of friends and family around to support you.
Dementia is a progressive illness that tends to get worse with time. What you can do independently will depend on the stage of dementia you are at.
Activities for People with Dementia
If you are living at home and in the early stages of dementia, you can enjoy the same activities you did as before. Enjoy your life to the fullest and keep a positive outlook. Whether its dancing, bingo, or painting, continue to do the things you love. Activities with sensory pleasures are recommended to patients with dementia – especially ones that engage all the senses.
Exercise
Keeping active has many benefits for people with dementia, such as helping regulate sleep cycles and prevent restlessness. It also encourages the release of feel-good hormones, which help stave off negative thoughts and emotions that can lead to depression.
Spending Time with Friends and Family
Spending time with people is also very beneficial for patients with dementia. It’s discouraged to spend a lot of time alone — go and spend time with friends and family as much as you can. Spending time with the people you love will benefit your overall health and mood.
Positive Memory-Based Activities or Reminiscences
Activities that remind you of good memories such as watching family videos, looking at photo albums, and surrounding yourself with objects that bring back memories of happy times are encouraged. You may want to take up scrapbooking or writing down your thoughts and reflections. Sharing these memories is also a good idea. Keep stirring them and sharing them as they will keep you feeling good about life.
Arts and Crafts
Staying engaged in the community is also highly advised. Check your community center for any arts and crafts activities. Drawing, painting, and book clubs make you productive, help you stay active in your community and encourage self-expression, which is very important.
Find a Dementia Support Group
If you can find a local support group for people with dementia, it will help you foster emotional connections with new people, which is very beneficial. Moreover, the fact that you know people who are on the same journey as you will improve your sense of well-being.
Dementia Management in Frisco and Denton
At Star Medical Associates, our mission is to provide comprehensive, individualized, and compassionate care to patients with dementia. We treat you like family and take the time to listen to you in order to better address your needs.
Find out how we can help you live a happy and fulfilling life with dementia. Reach out to us by calling (940) 382-6900 if you are in Denton, or (469) 301-2300 if you are in Frisco. You can also send us an appointment request online now.
