Activities to help your memory
There are now more than 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia and it’s well known that keeping active both mentally and physically can help slow and delay the symptoms. But carers often struggle to know how best to help a loved one who has dementia.
A new book, called The Memory Activity Book, aimed at people with dementia or memory loss and their carers, features 70 brain-stimulating activities that include physical exercises, games, craft projects and leisure pursuits as well as how best to interact with people with memory problems.
It’s important in the early stages of dementia to focus on things a person can do rather than what they can’t do. It’s also helpful to establish routines to help maintain independence such as planning ahead, or decluttering cupboards and workspaces to make it easier for sufferers to find things. It can also help to prepare memory labels and signs to remind them about the steps needed to use the washing machine, or to indicate the contents of a cupboard. Memory signs can be useful if once-familiar places are becoming unfamiliar – for example making an arrow to direct people to the toilet. The book includes a section on keeping physically fit, simple relaxation techniques and getting out and about to enjoy nature.
There is also a large section on arts and crafts – ranging from painting to drawing, as well as puzzles and games to stimulate the memory. When words become a struggle, the ability to sing actually remains. Even if their memory is unreliable, they may still remember the words and tunes of favourite songs. Singing groups for people living with dementia are available nationwide. Playing a musical instrument benefits your brain more than simply listening to music and it’s never too late to learn. The book contains a section on recording your life story too, which is a good way to stimulate the memory of someone with dementia.
■ The Memory Activity Book contains practical projects and is idea for carers or people running groups for those with memory loss. Rrp £16.99, it’s published by Dorling Kindersley. and is available from any bookshop or from www.dk.com
■ For more information about Singing for the Brain group, visit www.alzheimers.org or call the National Dementia helpline on 0300 222 1122