Choosing the perfect holiday gift for someone special in your life can be tricky. If that special person is battling the challenges of Alzheimer’s, gift giving can feel incredibly tough. Gifts are meant to feel sentimental, thoughtful and personal. Because Alzheimer’s involves cognitive decline, some gifts may be more meaningful than others.
Holiday Gift Ideas for Seniors with Alzheimer’s
There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for someone suffering from a memory disorder such as Alzheimer’s. Because Alzheimer’s involves cognitive decline, it is important to select gifts that support their mental health and physical well-being.Gifts that incorporate light physical activity or encourage creativity are wonderful options. This may catch you by surprise, but some gifts can even help to slow down the impact of Alzheimer’s! If you are searching for the perfect gift and need a little direction, here are a few of our top choices to consider:
Games and Puzzles
Puzzles can be fun and therapeutic for many people managing dementia or Alzhemer’s. Puzzles, crosswords and activities alike can provide exercise in memory and are said to improve brain functions, especially short-term memory. These mentally stimulating games have been known to ease the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, while providing stimulating comfort and a sense of control. Just be sure when choosing a game or puzzle that it’s not too challenging. Here are a few of our favorite games and puzzles:
Easy and Relaxing Crossword Puzzles
Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards
Exercise Activities
Physical exercise has been known to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. In recent years, there has been even more evidence that exercise can help those living with Alzheimer’s, potentially slowing down the pace of cognitive decline. Because Alzheimer’s is a chronic progressive disease, exercise is highly encouraged in tandem with medications to preserve cognitive function and enrich quality of life. A few great options to help seniors stay active include:
Healthy Seniors Chair Exercise Program
Healthy Seniors Complete Hand Therapy Set
Gifts That Stimulate Creativity
Activities that encourage someone with Altzheimer’s to express their creative side is always a wonderful choice. Adult coloring books and crafting materials can be a fun and relaxing way to stimulate the mind. When battling Alzheimer’s and other related dementias, the ability to communicate is often an early loss. Choosing creative activities can help to bridge this gap and reduce the frustrations associated with the disease. A few great options for supporting creativity in seniors are:
Color Your Mind: A Coloring Book for Those with Alzheimer’s
Simple Coloring Book For Adults (Large Print)
Family Oriented Gifts
Any type of gift that involves family photos and memories is a great gift option. As Alzheimer’s develops, it becomes more challenging to remember names and details, however, feelings tend to stick with loved ones. A photo book full of happy memories or a digital picture frame is a great way to encourage cognitive recall and brighten their day, especially if they are living in a senior care facility away from home. Some of our favorite options for more family oriented gifts include:
Amazon – Echo Show 8 with Smart Display and Alexa
Artifact Uprising Softcover Photo Book
10 inch WiFi Digital Picture Frame
Playmate Pets Animated Robotic Therapy Dogs & Cats
When looking for the perfect holiday gift for a friend or family member battling Alzheimer’s, keep in mind that there is no better gift than time. Because repetition is so important to memory recall, spending time together over the holidays can be better than any material gift. Try cooking their favorite meal, watching a movie or listening to music when spending time together. Supporting a sense of normalcy during the holidays is a meaningful way to show your loved ones how much they mean to you.