Gift Ideas for People with Alzheimers or Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is a brain disorder that slowly but progressively destroys memory and thinking skills. Alzheimer’s specifically affects the part of the brain involved with memory and learning. Dementia, which is an illness that causes a loss of intellectual abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life activities, is often used as a general term for people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

There are a lot of good books out on the market that can help you or your family understand a bit more about what is happening. It can be tough as it is to experience the symptoms but to also feel like you’re the only one will be alienating. If you want to help a loved one understand and relate to others fighting out there in the world then you may want to look into some of the top books on Alzheimer’s and dementia.

The amount of information out in the world can be overwhelming but some authors have been able to capture what it means to be going through these stages in life. If you need some recommendations of the top books for gift use the following as reference.

Keep Sharp debunks common myths about aging and cognitive decline, explores whether there’s a “best” diet or exercise regimen for the brain, and explains whether it’s healthier to play video games that test memory and processing speed, or to engage in more social interaction. Discover what we can learn from “super-brained” people who are in their eighties and nineties with no signs of slowing down—and whether there are truly any benefits to drugs, supplements, and vitamins.

For 40 years, The 36-Hour Day has been the leading work in the field for caregivers of those with dementia. Written by experts with decades of experience caring for individuals with memory loss, Alzheimer’s, and other dementias, the book is widely known for its authoritativeness and compassionate approach to care.

If you have a friend or family member who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it can be difficult to find the right gift for them at Christmas time. What do you buy someone who can’t focus long enough to enjoy even their most favorite things? How do you show your support when they’ve forgotten their own family? The best gift you can give someone who has dementia is your time. One-on-one visits, telephone calls, outings to favorite places, and volunteering are all great ways to show support for people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

If you would like to do a little more than just offer your time take a look at some of the creative ideas we have below.

You may think these are simple but small things go a long way to a loved one who may feel alone or worried about what is coming next. Be sure to always be patient and understanding when spending time with them.

If you have any concerns of a long term effects of Dementia for your loved one the experts at Thoughtful Care in Kansas City can help. We have the dedicated resources to assist you and your loved one who may just need a little more assistance moving into a different stage in their life. Contact us today for more information.