Category Archives: Nutrition

Summertime Eating Tips to Help Caregivers Keep Their Cool

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Background texture of pink and white rose petals

Rose Petals Make a Delicious Cooling Drink and Jelly

 

It’s summertime and the livin’ is easy—or at least we’d like it to be. If you’re tired and stressed out from caregiving, here are some tips to help you stay cooler in summer.

According to the ancient Indian system of Ayurveda our body consists of three main elements or doshas—Vatta, Pitta and Kapha. Pitta consists of water and fire. It’s hot, so during summer when the temperature rises we want to eat cooling foods. Eating cooling foods not only keeps us from overheating, it reduces the tendency to get irritable, impatient and angry.

  • 1) First and foremost, stay hydrated. It’s especially important to make sure you and your loved ones are getting enough liquids because when we forget to drink we can become dehydrated quickly, which leads to other health problems. It’s also crucial to keep the brain hydrated in order to maintain mental alertness. Drink plenty of water and stay away from carbonated and caffeinated drinks. Herbal teas, and fresh fruit or vegetable juices are great in summer. Just remember that fruit juices are high in sugar and calories.
  • 2) Enjoy the bounty of summer fruits and vegetables. The summer fruits such as peaches, apricots, cherries, watermelon, cantaloupe, and berries are especially good for helping the body reduce the fiery heat of summer. According to Ayurveda, some of the recommended summer vegetables include cucumber, green leafy vegetables, green beans, squash, zucchini, asparagus, beets and eggplant.
  • 3) Sprinkle on the herbs and spices. They’re easy to use and contribute added flavor and antioxidants to your diet. Cooling spices include cardamom, coriander, fennel and tumeric. Cooling herbs include cilantro, mint and dill.
  • 4) Avoid hot, sour and salty foods including fermented food, red meat, and greasy and spicy food. Excess pitta aggravates the tendency towards heartburn and gastric hyperacidity.
  • 5) Here’s some good news—Ayurveda recommends ice cream during the hot summer months! So by all means, enjoy! Dementia patients are especially fond of ice cream. If the person you are caring for refuses to eat or eats very little, try serving ice cream. It contains protein, calcium and calories, and it’s easy to serve and eat. If weight gain or cholesterol is a concern, select a dairy-free version of America’s favorite dessert. Rice Cream, Coconut Bliss and Soy Delicious make delicious non-dairy, frozen desserts.
  • 6) My roses are bursting with fragrance and beauty. Roses are especially cooling and ff you have rose bushes that are free of chemicals, here’s a special treat to make: Rose Petal Jam. It’s fun and easy and the person you are caring for might even like to get into the act. It’s also very cooling and pacifies irritability. Spread it on toast, put a teaspoon on top of a scoop of ice or add it to warm milk for a yummy nightcap. (see recipe below)
  • 7) Make a lassi using a tablespoon of rose petal jam. Or use this delicious recipe to make the classic, cooling Indian-style milkshake.

Rose Petal Jam

Ingredients

  • ◦ 1 cup fresh rose petals (must never have been sprayed with any chemicals)
  • ◦ 3/4 cup water
  • ◦ 1 lemon, juice of (1/4 cup)
  • ◦ 2 1/2 cups sugar or evaporated cane juice crystals
  • ◦ 1 package pectin
  • ◦ 3/4 cup water

Directions

  1. Puree rose petals, 3/4 cup water and lemon juice in blender until smooth.
  2. Slowly add sugar.
  3. Blend till all sugar has dissolved; (leave in blender) Stir 1 package pectin into 3/4 cup water, bring to a boil, and boil hard for 1 minute. Pour mixture into blender with rose petal mixture until well blended.
  4. Do this very quickly – it sets up FAST!! Pour into small, sterilized jelly jars.
  5. Let set for 6 hours, till firm.
  6. Will keep one month in refrigerator.
  7. Freezes well.

 

Rose Water Lassi

  • 2 1⁄2 cups plain yogurt
  • 1/2-teaspoon fine sugar
  • ¼ tsp of ground cardamom
  • 2 teaspoons pure rosewater
  • 3⁄4 cups Ice water
  • 1 cup Ice cube cracked
  • Fragrant rose petals for garnish

Blend the yogurt, sugar, cardamom, rose water and iced water in a blender for 2 minutes. Add the ice and process for another 2 minutes. Pour the lassi into tall, refrigerated glasses and garnish with rose petals. Chill out and enjoy!

When the Patient has Trouble Eating

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Three delicious and nutritous protein shakes

Find more food and nutrition tips in my new book “Calmer Waters: The Caregiver’s Journey Through Alzheimer’s and Dementia”–available wherever books are sold.

Elderly people, people who are ill, and especially people with dementia, sometimes have eating difficulties, which can arise for a number of reasons.

  • Some medications affect taste and decrease appetite.
  • Eating might be one of the few things that a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia still has control over. The memory loss individual might refuse food simply because it’s a way of exerting personal power.
  • A new diet that is introduced due to a health concern such as diabetes, or the introduction of pureed food might cause an individual to refuse food.
  • Depression can result in a lack of interest in food.
  • The sense of taste is the last one to go, but it might be diminished along with the sense of smell.
  • Inactivity can cause loss of appetite, so try to engage the memory loss person in some sort of physical activity. Even a stroll around the block helps.

End-stage Alzheimer’s patients almost always have trouble eating, and ultimately most have trouble swallowing. But if the person you are caring for is losing weight for no particular reason and is still mobile, it is a concern that needs to be addressed. Please consult with your physician when there is any question about weight loss and refusal to eat.

12 Tips for Getting Someone to Eat

  1. Finger foods might be easier to manage than a fork and knife.
  2. Eliminate foods that present a choking risk (hotdogs, chicken or fish that contain bones, etc.)
  3. Provide several small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals.
  4. Make the food tasty by including salt, herbs and spices.
  5. Dementia patients love ice cream. If cholesterol is an issue, substitute a dairy ice cream with a non-dairy frozen dessert such as Rice Dream®, Coconut Bliss or Soy Dream.
  6. Offer healthy snacks throughout the day, such as cheese and apple slices, nut butter on apple slices, smoothies, and diced fresh fruit.
  7. Create a soothing ambience by placing flowers and candles on the table, and playing soft classical music.
  8. Make sure to keep the patient hydrated, especially during the hot summer months.
  9. Provide a comfortable place to eat. If the patient has a bad back, it might be necessary to put a cushion on the chair.
  10. Do a happy, engaging activity before mealtime. Have the memory loss person help set the table or peel vegetables, if possible. Painting, listening to music, playing an instrument, or going for a walk might be all it takes to work up an appetite.
  11. It might be hard for the person to differentiate foods on a plate, especially if they are the same color. Use contrasting colors. For example, serve beets and carrots on white instead of white mashed potatoes on a white plate.
  12. Aromatherapy
  • Bergamot is the flavoring used in Earl Grey Tea. If your patient likes to drink tea, this might be an easy solution. Or, have the person smell bergamot oil, which is used for depression.
  • Citrus oils such as orange, lemon and lime along with ylang-ylang can help alleviate depression.
  • Peppermint and Spearmint are energizing and might stimulate appetite.

 

Protein shake recipes

Protein shakes are nutritious, filling, and nourishing. Use ingredients of your choice without relying on the sugary nutrition drinks that are generously handed out in institutions.

My favorite delicious and easy-to-make shakes

Banana Berry Shake

  • 1 frozen banana
  • ¼ cup sliced strawberries
  • 8 ounces of milk or non-dairy drink such as soy, almond, or coconut milk
  • 1 scoop of whey protein powder
  • Blend together until smooth.

Berry Sunrise Shake

  • 1/3 cup frozen blueberries
  • 3 medium strawberries
  • 8 ounces of orange juice
  • 1 scoop of whey protein powder
  • Blend together until smooth.

Chocolate, Banana, Peanut Butter Protein Shake

  • 1 banana
  • 2 Tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1-cup almond, soy or coconut milk
  • 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
  • 3-5 ice cubes
  • Blend together until smooth

Enjoy!

Is it really important to eat a good breakfast?

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For more information on the importance of good nutrition to prevent caregiver burn-out, including recipes, read my new book “Calmer Waters: The Caregiver’s Journey Through Alzheimer’s and Dementia”—available June 1, 2016 where all books are sold.

Yes! It is absolutely important to eat a good breakfast, and here’s why. This is true for everyone, but especially important for caregivers. It’s recommended that we eat within one hour after waking to stabilize our blood sugar—which has dropped during sleep—so that your mood stays even and you can perform at your best.  If not, you’ll be more apt to reach for a bagel or doughnut or another cup of coffee. After loading up on carbs and empty calories (lacking in nutrition), it’s typical to feel hungry again within a couple hours. And every time our blood sugar crashes, it’s a signal to the body to store calories. The same goes for a hungry body. If you don’t eat breakfast, your blood sugar will be low, and this too is a signal to the body to store calories, which adds fat around your middle.

One of the most critical things you can do for your health and your mood is to keep your glucose levels stable. And that means it’s important to include a healthy protein with breakfast. 

Low blood sugar impairs your concentration and judgment, leaves you tired and fuzzy-headed, and sometimes makes you irritable. These symptoms often disappear after you eat something and your blood sugar rises. Part of the solution is emphasizing a diet rich in protein and non-starchy, high-fiber vegetables. Both protein and fiber help stabilize blood-sugar and insulin levels, which helps to prevent mood swings.

Some things to be aware of

What if you feel hungrier after breakfast? Your body has adapted to not eating breakfast or to eating a poor breakfast. Try eating less at night, or if you eat breakfast at 8am and get hungry at 10am, have a snack that contains protein, such as a protein shake, a small handful of nuts, yoghurt and fruit, or cottage cheese and fruit. You don’t want to get ravenous before lunch and then make a poor food choice.

What if you’re nauseous in the morning but you’re not pregnant? This might be an indication that your blood sugar is too low, and it’s important that you eat!

I need my caffeine fix! Is that bad? Studies show that those who drink the most coffee often suffer from chronic depression because caffeine depletes the body of B vitamins—crucial for dealing with the stress of caregiving —, vitamin C, calcium, potassium and zinc. Caffeine increases thirst because it dehydrates the body, and it overstimulates and weakens the kidneys, pancreas, liver, nervous system, stomach and intestines.

According to the Mayo Clinic, 2-3 cups of coffee can spike systolic pressure up to 13 points and diastolic pressure up to 14 points. If you have high blood pressure, limit your coffee intake to 3 cups a day, and avoid drinking it before exercise or physical labor, which both naturally raise blood pressure.

On the other hand, studies have show that caffeine can delay Alzheimer’s disease in people who are at risk. A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (2012) found that people older than 65 who had higher blood levels of caffeine developed Alzheimer’s disease 2-4 years later than people with lower caffeine levels. The study included 124 people who had mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Typically, 15% of people with MCI will go on to develop full-blown Alzheimer’s disease each year.

The study participants who had less than 1,2000 ng/ml of caffeine levels in their blood developed Alzheimer’s. This is equivalent to drinking several cups of coffee a few hours before their blood was taken. The people whose memory loss did not progress to full-blown Alzheimer’s had higher levels of caffeine in their blood. Coffee appeared to be the only source of caffeine for the participants in the study.

So monitor how you feel after you drink coffee. A safer choice might be a cup of chai or green tea, which has numerous heath benefits, including antioxidant protection.

Breakfasts of Champions

Instead of eating a bowl of cornflakes with a banana and low-fat milk, have a 2-egg omelet, slice of whole grain toast, a cup of fresh fruit and a cup of steamed greens such as kale. Then notice the difference in how you feel. You’ll have more stamina, less anxiety and depression, and will able to get through the whole day more easily.

Other ideas

  • Whole-grain mini-quiche with 1/2 cup berries
  • Oatmeal with prunes or raisins, walnuts or almonds, and cinnamon, whole milk
  • Multigrain hot cereal, Greek yoghurt and fresh fruit, almonds
  • Eggs with beans, salsa, and a side of greens
  • Bagel with hummus, tomato and goat cheese
  • Smoothie with greens, fruit, protein and flax

Recipe for Gluten-free Flax Meal Muffins

  •  ¾ cup brown rice flour
  • ¾ cup buckwheat flour
  • ½ cup ground flaxseed
  • ½ cup date sugar (or sweetener of your choice)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup raisins
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup oil of your choice (I used grape seed oil)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup buttermilk or coconut milk

Preheat oven to 375º. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with unbleached paper liners and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together brown rice flour, buckwheat flour, flaxseed, sweetener, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and raisins.

In a second large bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, applesauce and buttermilk. Add flour mixture to buttermilk mixture and stir until just combined.

Spoon batter into prepared muffin tins and bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool muffins in pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Recipe for overnight oatmeal made in a slow cooker

  • 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats –do not use the instant oats. (serves 4)
  • 1 3/4 cups water

or

  • 1 cup steel cut oats (serves2)
  • 4 cups water
  • Mix oats and water in slow cooker and set for 8-9 hours. These recipes work in a 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 quart capacity slow cooker.

The possibilities of things to add are endless. Some ideas: maple syrup, honey, butter, milk, coconut milk, brown sugar, raisins, dried apricots, prunes, dried cherries, dried coconut, fresh fruit, cinnamon, ginger, almond butter, apple butter, chia seeds, chopped walnuts or almonds, flax meal, etc.

Try some of these recipe and let me know how you feel. Have a great breakfast, and a great day!

 

 

 

Can vitamin E slow functional decline in patient’s with Alzheimer’s?

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First we heard that vitamin E helps, and then we heard that it does not help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.1 The newest research suggests that a daily dose of 2000 IU per day of vitamin E might help to slow functional decline for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s, and that it could help reduce the amount of care these patients require by two hours a day.

Most studies of vitamin E, including this new one, have focused on alpha-tocopherol, a synthetic form of vitamin E. This is extremely significant because in its natural form vitamin E consists of many compounds—including d-alpha tocopherol, high gamma tocopherol, mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols—that have been proven safe and beneficial. If the natural form of vitamin E had been used in this study, the outcome might have been even better. And if it had been used in the countless studies done over the years, many of which were negative, the results might have been different.

In the current study, researchers followed 613 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, all of whom were taking an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne). Of these patients, 155 received 20 mg a day of memantine – a class of drugs used to treat Alzheimer’s – while 152 patients received 2,000 international units a day (IU/day) of vitamin E, 154 received a combination of both and 152 took a placebo. The patients who took the vitamin E had a 19% reduction in their functional decline, compared with the patients who received the placebo. The researchers said that this was equivalent to approximately 6.2 months in time over the 2.3 year follow-up period.

They also noted that memantine and a combination of both memantine and vitamin E demonstrated no clinical benefit for the patients.
The researchers pointed out that functional decline as a result of Alzheimer’s disease is increasingly recognized as having a significant impact on a patient quality of life, as well as putting a strain on social and economic costs. But they said their findings suggest that vitamin E could combat these factors.

What you should know
Vitamin E is naturally found in a variety of foods including eggs, fortified cereals, meat, nuts, poultry, some fruits and vegetables (green, leafy vegetables, avocados, asparagus, kiwi, broccoli, pumpkin, sweet potato, mangos, tomatoes, papayas), wheat germ, sunflower and safflower oils.

Taking a high dosage of alpha-tocopherol alone has been shown to deplete the body of other forms of vitamin E, which are much more powerful antioxidants and have been proven to have unique health properties. And taking a single form of vitamin E, such as synthetic alpha-tocopherol, denies the very fact that nature offers seven different forms of tocopherols and tocotrienols for a reason.

In order to get the full protective benefits of vitamin E, it’s important to make sure you’re taking a supplement that contains a full spectrum of vitamin E compounds—including d-alpha tocopherol, high gamma tocopherol, mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols.

The bottom line is this: Based on the large body of scientific evidence that’s been published over the past several decades, we should all be taking a wholesome full spectrum vitamin E … because full spectrum vitamin E is safe and good for your heart, your brain, your overall health, and as a protectant against cancer and degenerative diseases.

References
1. Isaac MG, Quinn R, Tabet N. “Vitamin E for Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment.” Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008 Jul 16;(3):CD002854. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD002854.pub2.
2. Dysken Mw, et al. “Effect of vitamin E and memantine on functional decline in Alzheimer disease: the TEAM-AD VA cooperative randomized trial.” JAMA. 2014 Jan 1;311(1):33-44. doi: 10.1001/jama.2013.282834.

 

Sexual Intimacy Between Care Partners

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The topic of sex is often uncomfortable in the best of relationships in the best of times. The topic is especially prickly when one of the partners has Alzheimer’s disease.

There are no rights or wrongs when it comes to sexual intimacy between care partners, and sometimes the topic gets shoved under the rug and totally forgotten. But what if the person with Alzheimer’s has an increase in sexual desire and the care partner wants nothing to do with sex?

A person with dementia might express unusual behaviors, and feelings can get hurt when one care partner rejects the other. Sexual intimacy between a caregiver and person who has dementia eventually wanes because at some point the roles of the two people in the relationship change. The caregiver might feel that he or she is caring for a child, and it’s unnatural for a parent to have sex with his or her child. But human beings are sexual creatures. We need and thrive on physical intimacy and touch.

Here are some suggestions to help you navigate the challenges of fulfilling sexual and/or intimacy needs while coping with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.

If you are a caregiver who would like to continue a sexual relationship with a loved one who is in a memory care home it’s important that your needs are respected by the care staff. Ask them to respect your need for privacy, and determine the best time for an overnight stay.

  • As embarrassing as it might seem, magazines such as Playboy or Maxim can provide the stimulation that a male needs to fulfill his sexual needs.
  • A weekly or bi-weekly massage provides intimate physical contact. Combined with aromatherapy it’s a wonderful way to nourish a person’s natural desire for human touch. If you are uncomfortable doing the massage, then hire a professional massage therapist.
  • Getting into bed with a loved one and cuddling or spooning promotes physical intimacy.
  • Holding hands and sitting side by side while listening to music, watching a movie, or looking at photographs is a sweet way to connect with another person.
  • Caregivers whose care partners no longer recognize them might develop new emotional ties that lead to a sexual relationship. Newfound happiness can erase feelings of loneliness and despair, but feelings of guilt can also arise. In cases such as these speaking with a therapist can help clarify and alleviate conflicted feelings.

 

Resources

  1. Changes in Relationships (Web page) Single copy free (800) 272-3900 Available online: http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_changes_in_relationships.asp

 

  1. Sexuality (Topic Sheet) Single copy free (800) 272-3900 Available online: http://www.alz.org/national/documents/topicsheet_sexuality.pdf

 

  1. Intimacy and dementia: is there a time to stop having sex? Kennard, C. http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/57548/24937/time-stop-sex

 

  1. Intimacy, marriage and Alzheimer’s. San Francisco, CA: Eldercare Online. http://www.ec-online.net/Knowledge/articles/intimacy.html

Even a mild infection can double rate of memory loss in Alzheimer’s patients

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People with Alzheimer’s who get even a mild respiratory or gastrointestinal infection, or a bump or bruise are at risk for having a significant, permanent memory loss, according to a report that was published in the September 8, 2009 issue of the journal Neurology. These patients can have high levels of tumor necrosis factor—alpha (TNF-a)—a protein that is linked to inflammation and is associated with memory loss and cognitive decline.

In the study, which was done at the Clinical Neurosciences Research Division at the University of Southampton, United Kingdom, 222 Alzheimer’s patients were followed for six months. Of those, 110 people had an infection or injury that resulted in inflammation. These individuals had twice the memory loss during that period of time as the individuals who did not have an illness or injury. Researchers attribute the memory loss to inflammation. In patients whose TNF-a levels were high to begin with, an infection increased their memory loss to 10 times more than those who had low TNF-a levels.

Clive Holmes, PhD, lead researcher, said that this population should be vaccinated against the flu, and infections and injuries should be treated as soon as possible.

Tips for keeping you and your loved one healthy and safe

 

Curbing brain inflammation may help prevent Alzheimer’s

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It’s not surprising that scientists found that brain inflammation plays a big role in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in a recent study. The study that was published in the journal Brain, http://brain.oxfordjournals.org/, indicates that an overactive immune system can result in inflammation, and that inflammation is not the result but rather the cause of the disease.

Researchers looked at the tissue of both healthy brains and the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. The brains of the people who had Alzheimer’s had higher levels of microglia or immune cells, which suggested brain inflammation. The molecules that regulate the number of microglia became more active as the severity of the Alzheimer’s increased, resulting in even higher levels of inflammation.

Carolyn Gregoire, Senior Health & Science Writer for the Huffington Post, wrote that “In another experiment, researchers showed that the chemical known as GW2580 reduced memory loss and behavioral problems in mice with an Alzheimer’s-like condition. “

The mice that were given a drug containing the GW2580 chemical showed fewer memory and behavioral problems that the untreated mice.

 

What can you do to reduce risk of inflammation?

Dr. Gomez-Nicola, lead author of the study, is hoping to work with the pharmaceutical industry to find a suitable drub that can be tested in clinical trials on people. Until then,

The findings also suggest that a diet and lifestyle focused on fighting inflammation could be important in preventing Alzheimer’s.

 

10 Ways to Reduce Inflammation

 

  1. Olive oil contains oleocanthal, a compound that can lower inflammation.
  2. Onions—sautéed, grilled or raw— are delicious and packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
  3. Fiber lowers C-reactive protein (CRP) a substance in the blood that’s a sign of inflammation. Foods that high in fiber include oatmeal, chia and flax seeds, bran, apples, raspberries, legumes. Foods containing carotenoids, the photochemical that provides color to foods such as carrots and watermelon, are good for lowering CRP.
  4. Cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines and anchovies contain omega-3 fatty acids that reduce CRP and interleukin-6, another inflammatory protein in your blood.
  5. Nuts including walnuts, pistachios and almonds contain monounsaturated fat, protein and fiber that help reduce inflammation.
  6. Fruits, especially berries, and raw and cooked vegetables, especially leafy greens, provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Try to get at least 4 or 5 each day and include as many colors of the rainbow, as possible.
  7. Herbs and spices including turmeric, garlic, ginger, cayenne, black pepper, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, oregano, rosemary, marjoram, and sage add flavor and anti-inflammatory benefits.
  8. Shitake mushrooms contain ergothioneine, and other compounds that inhibit inflammation.
  9. Teas, including matcha green tea and tulsi contain anti-inflammatory antioxidants.
  10. It’s so important to get adequate sleep and to exercise on a regular basis.

 

Good luck and feel free to email me with comments and questions.

Flying with someone who has dementia

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Traveling during the holidays is always a challenge. And going through security, boarding the plane, and sitting for hours is a double challenge for someone who has dementia. Here are a few tips to make it easier:

  • If possible, pack everything in a light backpack to carry on board to avoid waiting at baggage claim.
  • Check in online to avoid lines at the airport.
  • Leave the lace-up shoes at home. Velcro shoes or slip-on shoes are a must.
  •  Most airports have a seating area a few feet from where you pick up your belongings where you can put yourself back together.
  • Just beyond that is a handicapped seating area where you can hitch a ride on an electric cart that brings you to your gate.
  •  Use the family restrooms, rather than the public restrooms.  Your loved one will appreciate the help.
  • Take advantage of early boarding.
  •  Bring your own food, snacks and water.
  •  Let a flight attendants know about special needs. They are more than willing to help.
  •  Don’t worry about your loved one getting locked inside the cabin restroom. It is possible to open the door from the outside.
  • Bring a CD player or get headphones for entertainment and relaxation.
  • Sit back and try to relax!

 

 

The best gifts for people with dementia

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Instead of worrying about what to give a friend or loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia consider this. What that person really wants more than anything is to just be with you.

So here’s a list of things you can do together.

  • People with dementia love ice cream. Share a pint of his or her favorite. Bring the toppings and arrange them on a table in little bowls—sprinkles, chocolate chips, chopped fruit, whipped cream, butterscotch or chocolate sauce, etc.
  • Watch a comedy together. It doesn’t matter if your loved one can follow the plot or not. If you laugh, he or she will probably join in the merriment. Laughter triggers the production of endorphins; the brain chemicals that reduce the sensation of pain and make you feel good.
  • Bring a dog to visit your loved one. If you don’t have one, borrow one. There’s nothing like a friendly pup to cheer someone up and add some excitement.
  • Listen to music together. Big Band Music is usually a hit with most 70, 80 and 90 year olds. If your loved one is younger, you can try classic rock.
  • Get out the paint brush, paper and water colors. You don’t have to be an artist or art teacher to have fun with your loved one. Painting and drawing is a great way to share time together, and to even express feelings of frustration, irritation and fear—on paper.
  • Dance to the music. If your loved one is still mobile help him or her get up and move. The exercise will enhance memories, even if temporarily. A short surge of condensed exercise boosts the compression of memories in both elders in good mental shape as well as those with slight cognitive impairment, according to new research by a team of scientists from UC Irvine’s Center for the Neurobiology of Learning & Memory.http://www.cnlm.uci.edu/
  • Go for a drive and get some fresh air. Just getting out of the house or memory care home does a body good. Put on a CD and sing together.
  • Hold hands, give a foot massage, tell stories without saying, “remember when . . .”
  • Just breathe together and be still in the silence. It’s the greatestgift of all.