Activities To Do With a Family Member or Friend Who Has Alzheimer's Disease

Older adult with Alzheimer's playing a board game with a friend.It's important to spend meaningful time with a family member or friend who has Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. Participating together in activities your loved one enjoys can help improve their quality of life and manage behavior changes that may come with the disease, such as sleep problems, aggression, and agitation. It can also help grow and strengthen your connection. However, it may be difficult to know what activities you can safely do with your loved one.

Explore examples below. You may need to modify these activities based on the person's preferences and abilities.

Activities to do around the house

Make a memory book - look through old pictures together and create a scrapbook.

Water house and garden plants.

Listen to their favorite music.

Watch their favorite show or movie.

Do an arts and craft project such as painting or drawing.

Knit or crochet together.

Cuddle, feed, or brush a household pet.

Present an instrument the person used to play such as a piano or guitar. Play, whistle, or sing along.

Sweep or vacuum.

Learn more about activity planning for people with Alzheimer's.

Activities to keep moving

Go for a walk on a safe path clear of branches or other obstacles.

Dance to music the person likes or tap your feet.

Go to the gym - try walking next to each other on the treadmill or using a stationary bike.

Lift weights or household items such as filled water bottles.

Plant flowers.

Stretch or do yoga.

Go to a local museum.

Participate in a water aerobics class.

Learn more about staying physically active with Alzheimer's disease.

Activities to engage the mind

Play a board or card game.

Work on a puzzle together.

Read poems or a book together.

Write cards to other family members and friends.

Play a computer game.

Learn more about activities that help keep an active mind.