Expert: Mary Gordon - 10/18/2007

Question
What would you suggest to offer to my mom as activities?  she has that nervous energy esp. in the middle of the night - and I thought maybe a blanket of zippers, buttons, latches (like you'd buy for an infant) or maybe a baby doll she could dress and fuss with.  Do child toys help them do something with their hands or does this not work well?  cards?  blocks?

Answer
Hi Cindy

My mother in law went through a "picking" stage when she would pluck and worry away at threads in her clothing, the arms of her wheel chair etc. (which she pulled to pieces)  so I know exactly what you are talking about.

There are some commercial products along the lines of what you are describing. Here are some examples -go to http://www.alzstore.com/index.html  Under product search type in activity apron - when it comes up, click on the item to enlarge it, and for a full description. Also seach for "TwiddleFiddles" (which comes in a cat or dog version) and Denim Activity Lap Pillow. On AliMed.com you will find an item called a "Discovery Apron"

Don't feel in any way embarrassed to try things - my mother in law liked a teddy bear. So, be creative, try  whatever you think might appeal to her.  It certainly won't do her any harm, and you might hit on something that really entertains or comforts her.

Here are some ideas for activities to try with a person with AD
http://www.ec-online.net/knowledge/articles/101things.html
There are also a number useful books that might spark good suggestions or ideas for you. There are others, but here are a couple I've heard recommended:
Failure-Free Activities for the Alzheimer's Patient: A Guidebook for Caregivers
by Carmel Sheridan
The Best Friends Book of Alzheimer's Activities by Bell, Troxel, Cox and Hamon
Alzheimer's Activities: Hundreds of Activities for Men and Women with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders by B. J. FitzRay

Hope this helps.

Mary G.