Keeping Busy

While little can be done for the disease of dementia itself, much can be done to help direct the quality of life of the persons with the disease, and Keeping Busy succeeds in providing ideas for improving the quality of life for the Alzheimer patient. American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Provides detailed information about programming activities and developing an atmosphere that is responsive to patients with dementia. Topics include exercise, horticulture, communication, pets, humor, social events, and music. Each description include the rationale for the activity and some of the trial and error involved in developing the activity. Colorful anecdotes enliven the text and illustrate both successes and limitations. Connections from the Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center A practical, compassionate book that offers a variety of activities for people with dementia that can help improve their quality of life… The books closes with an appendix of ‘good catalogs’ that offer resources for caregivers of people with cognitive impairments or dementia. OT Week

James R. Dowling is an activity specialist at Center in Gardiner, Maine, a model residential facility that has pioneered social and the Alzheimer’s Care cognitive interventions in the day-to-day treatment of individuals with Alzheimer disease and related conditions. He frequently speaks and conducts workshops on behavior management of persons with dementia.