5 Ways to Improve Quality of Life for Someone with Alzheimer’s

By 2060 it is projected that over 14 million people will have Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive disease which affects the parts of the brain which control memory, thought, and language. It typically develops in people aged over 60, and the likelihood of developing the disease increases with age. Eventually, people with Alzheimer’s can lose the ability to converse with others, recognize others, or even respond to their surroundings.

Despite the eventual severity of the disease, people with Alzheimer’s can still enjoy a good quality of life – physically, mentally, and emotionally – for a long time, if they have the right care.

Here are five highly recommended ways to improve the quality of life for someone with dementia. 

Daily interaction and conversation

Research has found that conversing with someone with Alzheimer’s disease about topics they are interested in, the people they care about, and asking them to make decisions can positively impact. Research has found that daily interaction with a person with Alzheimer’s can reduce their anxiety, agitation, and pain. If a person with Alzheimer’s is living alone and has limited interaction with others, it might be better for them to move into a Brookfield senior living facility which provides specialized Alzheimer’s treatment.

Use music and art to enrich their lives

When verbal communication is difficult, people living with Alzheimer’s will find it difficult to express their emotions. Music and art provide people with a way to express their feelings and can give them a renewed sense of purpose. When they can participate in musical or artistic activities with others, it can also provide a sense of community.

Physical exercise

Physical exercise is key to maintaining a healthy body and can also help to regulate mood. By maintaining a regular physical exercise routine, a person with Alzheimer’s can prolong their capacity to remain independent. When a person is in a good physical condition, they will be more able to bathe, dress, and feed themselves.

Allow them to make choices

For a long time, a person with Alzheimer’s is still the same person who can express their opinions and decide what they do and do not want. For as long as possible, they should be given a chance to make as many choices about their daily life as possible and consulted on long-term decisions. There may be a time when they are no longer able to make decisions that are in their best interests, but they should be allowed to make their own choices for as long as possible.

Provide a nourishing diet

The food that a person eats has a direct impact on how a person’s brain and body functions, so it is important to ensure they have a balanced and nutritious diet. Eventually, the disease can make it difficult for the person to make the right choices about food, and they may forget to eat or that they have already eaten, which can lead to health issues. The best diet consists of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat, and lean protein, with limited saturated fats, sugar, and salt.