Lost Interest in Activities

If your loved one with Alzheimer's Disease has lost interest in doing things he or she used to enjoy, try these tips to re-engage him or her:

• Compliment your loved one  from time to time on what they have achieved.
• Encourage your loved one to remain active but don’t insist.
• Find things to do that your loved one likes and can easily manage.
• Try to find tasks that are likely to be meaningful to him or her.
• Start something yourself and invite your loved one to join in.
• Provide guidance and cues during the activity if needed.
• Avoid suggesting activities if your loved one is stressed, tired or in a potentially frustrating situation (e.g. in front of strangers).
• Try to arrange something interesting each day.
• Look for things that you could enjoy doing together
• Encourage your loved one to help around the house (even if you need to redo some things later).
• Try to maintain a stimulating environment but make sure that it’s not too much for your loved one.
• Use humor and make light of the situation when possible and appropriate.