Whether you are still at home, or if you have moved to one of the specialist care homes in Minehead, there are a number of ways that you can actively help research into dementia-like conditions, such as Alzeimher’s.
Go for a Run
Runs are a great way to stay active, work out some stress and tension and – if you get the right sponsors – to make a bit of money for your favourite dementia charity. Find out more about running for dementia here and see what a difference you can make to your own health and self-esteem, as well as supporting your dementia-sufferer relative or loved one.
Walks
For those for whom runs are a step too much, there are plenty of charity walks around. From moonlit summer walks, to gentle ambles through small forests, to quite intensive coastal treks, you are sure to find the walk that best suits your activity levels or those of your dementia sufferer, if they are able to take part in, and enjoy, such activities.
Sing-alongs
Sing-alongs are great fun for everyone, even stuffy ‘grown-ups’ who pretend that they don’t. (Unless they are genuinely tone deaf, in which case it is all just noise to them!) But most people do like them, and joining a choir or other sing-along group is a great way to reduce your stress levels and blood pressure – and music is wonderful for Alzheimer’s sufferers, as Singing for the Brain has realised.
Coffee Mornings
Coffee, cake and a soothing chat with people who understand your problems, because they are experiencing them too, is a great way to socialise and invest in a charitable venture. Not only will you be helping the future of Alzheimer’s – or other dementia-type conditions – research, but you will meet potential friends, gain valuable advice and even learn new coping strategies – now that’s not bad for the investment of a few pounds in the name of charity!
Attend Talks on Coping with Dementia
These talks are aimed at a range of attendees, both for early onset sufferers and carers and relatives; as well as those with more serious and established cases. They can be highly scientific, aimed at medical staff, or offer simple fixes: like giving your patient a GPS tracker if they are inclined to wander – to those in the thick of the battle against Alzheimer’s.
Gym Workouts
Not intense muscly workouts involving shouty trainers, personal bests and competitive athleticism, these gentle, well-lit and calming sessions are aimed at the elderly, with a focus on retaining bone strength, maintaining or improving flexibility and restoring balance to elderly bodies. Not only are these activities good for the body, but they are also beneficial for the brain too, and can help slow the advance of the disease.
Online Exercises
For those who can’t leave their residences for whatever reason, there are online exercise sessions which can often be joined at short notice and which are, again, aimed at maintaining musculature, tone and flexibility in those who are older.
Join Cognitive Exercise Classes
Aimed primarily at those who are newly diagnosed, these classes such as those offered by MCST are designed to keep your brain active and in as good working as possible for as long as possible. They can help sufferers and their families accept the diagnosis, and also teach them what is still possible and for how long.