Free Alzheimer Activities

Alzheimer's is a fatal brain disease that affects more than five million Americans. Alzheimer's leads to memory loss and a general decline in intellectual ability. There is no cure for Alzheimer's, which is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. While Alzheimer's patients may be prevented from engaging in their regular hobbies and activities as the disease progresses, there are a number of free activities available them.

Politics

• Alzheimer's patients may find engaging in high level political debates as the disease advances, but early on it's possible for them to engage in the political process. Friends and family members can help a patient attend town hall forums or set out political signs and banners. Alzheimer's sufferers can also discuss past events in American political history and reminisce about previous presidents or local politicians. Further, local newspapers and campaign materials can be reviewed and discussed. If the Alzheimer's patient is able, going to the poll to vote can be an exciting and rewarding activity.

Aviation

• While Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, John Glenn and Neil Armstrong represent historic icons in the history of aviation, they also served as celebrities of popular culture for many older Americans suffering from Alzheimer's. Consequently, many Alzheimer's patients enjoy not only discussing these historical figures but also participating in events related to aviation. A trip to the local airport offers an exciting activity as Alzheimer's patients compare modern airports and aircraft to those of their youth. As many Alzheimer's patients served in the military, visiting a local military history museum is equally as rewarding. Additionally, trips to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Kennedy Space Center or any of a whole host of space aviation museums serve to stimulate Alzheimer's patients as the displays trigger memories.

Music

• Often called the universal language, music allows people from varied backgrounds to find commonality through their shared enjoyment of particular songs and genres. The same is true for Alzheimer's patients as they still may remember a preference for a particular genre of music. Visit local libraries as many offer large collections of music that can be explored and checked out free of charge. If a library is not nearby, it still may be possible to enjoy free music by registering with free streaming music websites like Pandora which allow for the creation of stations that only play music from a particular genre.