Tips for Improving Mood for patient

DaughterAndMom

Hello,

My dad was diagnosed a few years ago, and lately things seem worse. He's having trouble using the computer and smart phone, also unmotivated to do anything else. He's even unmotivated to passively watch tv (reruns over and over again), which he did before.

I want to ask about suggestions on things to do with him that won't add to his cognitive load but may help boost his self esteem/mood. He used to enjoy tennis and cooking. When I asked if he knows how to make this dish he used to make he says he can't remember. He did seem to enjoy dribbling a basketball and shot it a bit the last time we took my kids to the playground so I will try that again. Also maybe gardening and removing weeds.

Would love to hear other suggestions!

Thanks
Connie

jackcorel33

Listening to music, dancing, or contact with babies, children or animals provide positive feelings. People with dementia often have excellent memories of past events, and looking through old photos, memorabilia and books can help the person to recall earlier times.

HSW

My DH likes having takeout and eating at the warf to watch the boats or a stream to watch the water. I DVR Giligan's Island and AGT. I play them when nothing we like is on. He can no longer use the remote. Recently we started watching lets make a deal and the price is right because the people makes us laugh. He likes outdoor lawn games like throwing beanbag into holes and kid friendly archery/hatchet. Bubbles, kid friendly horse shoes, watching bunnies from the porch. At this point in our journey, I always initiate the activity and keep it within his current abilities.

Kay89898

I took care of my mother for two years when she had dementia, she passed away in 2017. It sounds like he is mobile? If so, are there any parks or walking paths, or any "fun" things he could do, like taking him to the zoo, give him something physical to do and something to look at.  I noticed with my mom that if I could stimulate two of her senses at the same time, like walking and looking at something interesting, she did get some enjoyment out of it. Where we live, the city has a "sculpture walk" in the downtown area.  Something else that she enjoyed was going to this store that had antiquey type things.  I think it's really important to keep him engaged socially, just being around other people, even if it's taking him to a coffee shop and being around other human beings, being able to observe people interacting, talking, etc.