A diagnosis of early Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t mean your brain stops functioning. “Some people think there’s nothing they can do, that the ship has sailed, but that’s really not true,” says Stephanie Nothelle, MD, an associate professor of medicine who specializes in geriatric care at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore.
8 Activities to Promote Brain Health With Alzheimer’s
While building neuroplasticity won’t stop Alzheimer’s disease from progressing, regularly participating in meaningful activities that challenge your mind, encourage movement, and help you connect with others may help promote cognitive function and support your quality of life.
“There are a lot of things that you can do to try to promote ongoing brain health while also having fun,” says Dr. Nothelle. The goal is to choose a variety of activities that engage different parts of the brain and do them consistently.
1. Keep Your Body Moving
Exercise not only benefits your body but also supports brain health. Regular physical activity can help support cognitive function, promote neuroplasticity, and improve your ability to perform everyday activities.
Walking, swimming, strength training, and dancing are all great options that also help boost mood, improve balance, lower stress, promote quality sleep, and reduce your risk of falls.
Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen.
2. Play Brain Games
Activities such as board games, card games, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and even video games can provide mental stimulation while offering a fun way to stay engaged. These brain games engage a range of cognitive abilities, from memory and attention to reasoning and problem-solving. If they start to become difficult, you can turn to options such as puzzles with fewer or larger pieces.
3. Try a New Recipe
Cooking is an activity that relies on multiple cognitive skills at once: planning, following directions, measuring ingredients, and using your senses. Trying a new recipe can add variety to your routine while also giving your brain a chance to learn something new.
If meal prep starts to feel too complicated, ask a partner, family member, or friend to join you.
4. Get Your Creative Juices Flowing
Creative activities can engage different parts of your brain and be enjoyable. Options such as writing in a journal, singing, playing an instrument, painting, drawing, or doing crafts all encourage self-expression while using your memory, concentration, and attention.
Attending a concert, joining a choir, signing up for a local art class, or visiting a museum can also get those creative juices flowing and help you feel that you’re part of a community.
5. Discover a New Hobby
Engaging in a new hobby, such as photography or knitting, can challenge your memory, attention, coordination, and problem-solving skills in an enjoyable way.
The best hobby to try is one that feels meaningful and fun to you. Consider choosing an activity that matches your interests, abilities, and comfort level, and adjust as needed. Add in a social component by joining a club or taking a class.
6. Spend Time in Nature
Being outdoors is a way to engage your brain, promote relaxation, and support your overall well-being. Visiting a park, taking a nature walk, and gardening are great ways to stimulate your senses, encourage movement, and connect with the environment.
Creating a simple routine, such as watering the plants each morning or taking a walk around the neighborhood every afternoon, can be a great way to reap the benefits Mother Nature has to offer.
7. Pick Up Reading
Research shows reading books, magazines, or newspapers at least once a week may help slow cognitive decline.
In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, consider joining a book club, where you can talk with others about what stood out to you most in the story, says Nothelle. Reach out to your local public library or senior center to ask about offerings in your area.
If reading starts to feel challenging, you don’t have to give it up altogether. Consider choosing shorter stories, opting for books with larger print, asking a loved one to read to you out loud, or listening to an audiobook.
8. Visit a Memory Cafe
A memory cafe is a social gathering place where people who are experiencing memory loss can go with a caregiver to try new activities and connect with others going through a similar situation.
“They exist in various forms across the U.S. and really run the gamut in terms of different types of activities — bird-watching, bowling, chess, whatever your interest is,” says Nothelle. Visit Dementia Friendly America’s Memory Cafe Directory to find one near you.
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