My husband lived in a memory care home for the last two years of his life. He loved to walk around with a Walkman and listen to his favorite music. (This was 15 years ago before earbuds were available, or at least before we knew about them.) Morris had a grin on his face as he listened to Nina Simone and his other favorite singers. It made him happy, and it triggered smiles amongst the caregivers to see him sing and sometimes break into a dance.

But when the TV in the common room blasted negative news or violent or scary movies, the residents responded in kind. Some would act out by yelling, squabbling, or arguing. The atmosphere would instantly change from calm to hyper, and sometimes out of control.

People with dementia are sensitive to the environment, so it’s in their best interest not to be exposed to a loud, scary, or violent movie. It’s also best to refrain from bringing them to a place that’s rowdy or filled with cigarette smoke. It may be hard for your loved one to distinguish between fiction and reality. If a movie, TV show, or news broadcast is about someone dying in a car crash or from a disease, the person with Alzheimer’s may think that someone in their own family is the victim. Or if the story is fiction, the person may think it’s real and get upset. The reaction could result in a flood of tears, anxiety, fear, and/or distress.

Boredom can also lead to stress. If your loved one is bored they may tune out or act out. Try to engage your loved one in a stimulating activity or exercise. Walk around the block or in a park, play catch, or put on some music and dance. Whatever you do, try to have fun.

26 activities that provide entertainment

• Work together on a jigsaw puzzle with bigger rather than smaller pieces
• Invite friends or family over for tea
• Watch a football game or opera — whatever your loved one enjoys
• Have a Zoom meeting with one or two family members or friends. More than that can cause confusion.
• Watch a sitcom or favorite movie
• Listen to music
• Bake a healthy dessert
• Carve a pumpkin
• Make a pie
• Create greeting cards
• Play an instrument and sing familiar songs
• Watch family videos
• Go for a walk in the woods or around a lake
• Make a snowman
• Fill a bird feeder and observe the birds
• Go to a nature preserve
• Visit a plant nursery, plant a garden
• Give a manicure and/or foot massage
• Look through photo albums
• Rake leaves
• Sit on the front porch and sip lemonade or hot chocolate and wave or talk to passersby
• Go to a dog park and enjoy watching the dogs
• Play checkers or dominoes
• Read a favorite book aloud
• Make a collage with pictures cut from a magazine
• Pain with watercolors

The weather is typically beautiful in the autumn. Get out and enjoy the leaves!