Taking care of your body and mind won’t stop Alzheimer’s, but it can improve your quality of life and help you cope emotionally.
Stay Active
Research suggests that physical activity supports brain health, improves mood, and reduces anxiety.
“It doesn’t need to be formal exercise. What matters most is finding ways to move throughout the day that you enjoy,” says Hugenschmidt.
Activities that involve coordination or learning — such as tai chi, yoga, or dance — may offer added benefits for the brain.
Keep Doing the Things You Love
Carriere says finding ways to maintain connections with beloved hobbies, interests, and activities is essential.
“Grief and loss are common reactions in this stage of the journey. Withdrawing too quickly from such activities out of fear or loss of confidence can intensify grief and rob individuals of a sense of purpose and connection,” she says.
Nurture Social Connections
There is evidence to suggest that staying socially connected may help prevent or delay developing dementia or Alzheimer’s. It’s also been shown that cognitive decline may be slower for people who regularly connect with other people.
These benefits are another reason to keep engaging in the things you enjoy: Hobbies and activities provide opportunities for peer connections and socialization, which can lessen feelings of isolation and improve mood, says Carriere.
Try Relaxation or Mindfulness Techniques
Doing relaxation practices — such as breathing exercises, stretching, or guided imagery — can be helpful, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed or flooded with intense waves of emotion, says Carriere.
“These types of techniques can reduce the flight-or-fight response and induce a relaxation response in the body,” she says. When you feel more in control of your emotions and bodily reactions, you’re less likely to feel stressed, and that allows you to think clearly and feel better equipped to choose healthier coping strategies, she adds.
Mindfulness, which involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment, is another tool used in many memory counseling programs. Practicing mindfulness helps people observe thoughts and emotions without immediately trying to fix them, which supports acceptance and reduces stress, says Hugenschmidt.
If those techniques don’t appeal to you, that’s okay. Doing anything that helps you feel calm — such as listening to music, sitting outside, or spending time with a pet — can support emotional well-being.
Practice Healthy Daily Habits
Following good routines can support both mood and cognitive health. For instance, it helps to:
- Keep a consistent sleep schedule.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Limit alcohol.
- Take medications as prescribed.
A healthy lifestyle can help you live well with Alzheimer’s for as long as possible.
If you’re struggling with any of these habits, let your care team know — they can support your efforts.
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