More than 70 brain-stimulating activities for people with memory loss or dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Physical and mental activities along with social interaction may help maintain your brain health and slow the progress of memory loss and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. They can also provide a meaningful way to connect. This book is packed with fun and creative ideas, from nature walks, gardening, and exercise to arts, crafts, puzzles, and games. Each activity includes step-by-step instructions, the specific benefits, and ways to adapt the activity for different abilities. Designed for people with memory loss or dementia along with their family, friends, and caregivers, AARP's Memory Activity Book is a valuable resource for everyone touched by these conditions.

Table of Contents:
Preface 6 INTRODUCTION How our memories work 10 What is dementia? 12 Living with dementia 14 How activities help 16 Get the balance right 18 Make your life manageable 20 How to use the activities in this book 22 OUT AND ABOUT Aerobic exercise 26 Ride a bike 28 Go swimming 30 Sports heroes 32 Play a team sport 34 Keep strong and supple 36 Simple exercises 38 Simple relaxation routines 40 Go on a nature walk 42 Keep a nature diary 44 Create your own nature diary 46 Walk the dog 48 Go shopping 50 Modern fashions 52 Go on an outing 54 Plan an outing 56 Get into the garden 58 Sow seeds of annual plants 60 Enjoy a sensory garden 62 Plant a sensory garden 64 Plant a container 66 Plant a window box 68 Go birdwatching 70 Feed the birds 72 Make a bird-food streamer 74 Indoor gardening 76 Grow microgreens in muffin cups 78 REVISITING THE PAST Bring out the photos 82 Compile a photo album 84 Draw a family tree 86 Fill a memory box 88 Fill a scrapbook 90 The story of the telephone 92 Record your life story 94 Make a theme bag 96 Watch an old movie 98 Make caramel corn 100 MUSIC AND DANCE Do a dance 104 Listen to music 106 Musicals 108 Create a playlist 110 Singing is good for you 112 Play the musical journey game 114 Play an instrument 116 PUZZLES AND GAMES Do a jigsaw puzzle 120 Make a jigsaw puzzle 122 Test your nose and taste buds 124 Play the “Test your Nose” game 126 Play a word game 128 Play the word chain game 130 Moon landings 132 Play with numbers 134 Play bingo 136 Board game challenge 138 The Seven Wonders of the World 140 Pattern puzzles and games 142 Play a card game 144 Play a picture-card game 146 Play “Guess the Animal” 149 ARTS AND CRAFTS Painting and drawing 152 Draw a cat 154 Make a pressed-flower card 156 Create a collage 160 Make an abstract collage 162 Famous works of art 164 Easy printing 166 Block print an apron 168 Make a papier-mâché bowl 170 Working with wood 174 Make a window box 176 Classic cars 180 Bring the outdoors in 182 Make things with leaves 184 Make a leaf wreath 186 Make a tea-light lantern 187 Sew something useful 188 Sew some placemats 190 Pick up the knitting needles 192 Make a fidget cuff 194 Make a sensory blanket 198 Make festive decorations 200 Make paper pom-poms 202 Make memory labels and signs 204 Keep cooking 208 Healthy salads 210 Make a couscous salad 212 Make sweet treats 214 Make peppermint creams 216 Useful resources 218 Index 220 Acknowledgments 224