Testimonials — therapy for Alzheimer's patients

Marian Grunwald, Earl Elfstrom and Verna Matheson (left to right) bounced a balloon back and forth with nursing assistant Rick Pavlisich on Dec. 13, 2013 at an Ecumen nursing home in Chisago City, Minn. Photo Credit: Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune, Minneapolis St. Paulvia NPR Activity staffer Jessica Abbott, of Pathstone Living, a nursing home and memory care facility in Mankato, MN, is responsible for making sure patients at Pathstone have easy and natural access to activities that are both soothing and mentally stimulating. Small comforts like making apple crisp while listening to music help calm patients and give them something relaxing...

Many health professionals working with Alzheimer's patients assure that therapeutic activities should focus mainly on the person's interests before the disease, as well as stimulate both older and more recent memories, while highlighting the patient's remaining abilities and make their compromised abilities easier to manage. Each activity will affect individual patient's differently; not all activities will have a positive effect on every patient. Examples of therapeutic activities proven through various research studies to improve and reduce behavorial problems in people with Alzheimer's include playing their favorite music, one-on-one interactions, playing videos of of family members, going for walks, and spending time...