Alzheimer's Disease Memory Exercises

Forgetfulness is one of the primary symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. People may be able to recall events and people from the past quite clearly, but forget to call a friend or turn off the stove. There are several steps that people with Alzheimer's disease can take to help them remember day-to-day things. These tips can be helpful for caregivers as well.

Memory Basics

Experts say that the following memory basics can help anyone boost the ability to remember, so you may want to try these suggestions yourself in addition to using them for the person you care for:

		Sleep well — Get 7 or more hours of sleep a night. Try these tips for a good night's sleep: Keep the bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. Limit caffeine. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
		Breathe deeply — The brain needs a fresh supply of oxygen for good memory. Try to breathe deeply.
		Exercise — Regular exercise brings oxygen to the brain, reduces stress, and improves memory.
		Eat a balanced diet — A poor diet can contribute to memory problems. Eat a balanced diet with foods from all the food groups.
		Drink water — Not drinking enough water can cause health problems, including memory problems. Drink 8 glasses of water each day.
		Avoid alcohol — Alcohol can interfere with memory, and it can also interact with some of the medicines you may be taking. If you drink alcohol at all, ask the healthcare professional how much is safe for you.
		Don't smoke — Smoking makes less blood, oxygen, and nutrients available to the brain. It also damages brain cells. If you smoke, ask the healthcare professional about ways to help you quit.
		Have your hearing checked — Hearing loss can interfere with memory. Many people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease also have hearing problems. Have your hearing checked regularly.
		Relax — If you are stressed, remembering things may become more difficult. Take time to breathe deeply. Relax with music or exercise.

Memory Aids

Memory aids can help make it easier for the person with Alzheimer's disease to remember things. You might want to try the following*:

		Get organized — Limit clutter. Have a set place for keys, glasses, and medications. Encourage the person with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease to put things back in that same place every time they are used.
		Use labels — Put labels on drawers, cupboards, and dressers. For example, use labels like "socks," "forks," or "towels."
		Write it down — Use sticky notes to jot down things that the person with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease needs to remember. Use a daily planner to keep important information in one place.
		Keep it simple — Find a routine and stick with it. Encourage the person with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease to do the same things at the same time every day, such as eating, taking a walk, and going to bed.
		Use lists — Put a daily list where it can be seen easily. Mark off the days on the calendar.
		Keep it familiar — Keep photos and keepsakes around the environment.

Using Daily Reminders

When mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease makes it hard for the person to remember things from day to day, reminders can act as a "memory substitute," so that the person does not have to keep everything in his or her head.

For names and numbers:

		Place photographs of family, friends, healthcare professionals, and other people important to the person near the telephone. Label the photographs with their names and phone numbers.
		Use telephones with automated dialing of stored numbers. Phones with big buttons also help.

For medicine:

		Put notes on the bedroom mirror or in the bathroom to remind the person with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease to take medicine at the appropriate time.
		To remind yourself when the patch was applied, you can write the date on the EXELON®PATCH with a thin ballpoint pen.
		Don't wait until you've used the last of the prescription to refill it. Always call your pharmacy a few days before the patches run out and pick up the refill as soon as possible. This will help you be sure your loved one continues his or her daily treatment as prescribed by the doctor.
		Write the times for taking medicine on a large calendar.
		Set an alarm to remind the person of when it is time to take his or her medicine.

For daily activities:

		Put labels on cabinets and drawers listing their contents.
		Use a chalkboard or memo board to list the tasks and activities for each day, with starting times for each.
		Post a large calendar for appointments or to track taking medicine.
		Write and post step-by-step instructions on how to work appliances, such as the microwave, coffeemaker, or computer.
		Encourage the person with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease to keep a diary or journal and to write in it every day.

*Adapted with permission from: Marge Engelman. Aerobics of the Mind. State College, Pa: Attainment Company, Inc.; 1995. For more information, call 1-800-327-4269.