6 Alzheimer’s Sensory Activities Reduce Anxiety without Medication

Sensory therapy for Alzheimer’s reduces agitation

It’s difficult to stand by and watch your older adult with Alzheimer’s or dementia live with anxiety, agitation, or anger. A good way to calm and soothe without using medication is to use sensory therapy.

Sensory therapy is an effective method for reducing anxiety, calming nerves, and providing comfort. Seniors use simple touch-based activities to occupy their hands and minds in safe, soothing ways.

We found 6 simple, fun, and inexpensive sensory activities that your older adult will love.

6 Alzheimer’s sensory activities

1. DIY aquarium sensory bag
BabyFirstTV created a video for their Facebook page showing how to create a quick and easy sensory bag with an aquarium theme. It’s a sealed plastic bag with water beads and ocean animals inside

You can easily replace the ocean animals with items that are appealing to your senior, like flowers, sports equipment, or fun characters. Or, check out these additional sensory bag examples for more ideas.

See the video

2. Scented sensory cards
Smells are a powerful way to trigger memories and emotions. A Little Learning for Two shows us how to create simple scented cards with a winter theme.

These are universally comforting scents, but you could also substitute other smells that your senior would associate with positive feelings.

Get the instructions

3. Homemade non-toxic finger paint
These non-toxic, homemade finger paints are a fun way for your senior to express themselves through art. To keep the mess to a minimum, tape a giant piece of butcher paper to the table and let them paint on that.

Get the paint recipe

4. Coin sorting
Sorting coins into small glass or ceramic bowls is fun, soothing, and may even give your senior a sense of purpose if you ask them to help you sort your loose change.

Here’s an example

5. Popping bubble wrap
Everyone loves popping bubble wrap! This is one of the simplest activities around, but surprisingly satisfying. If you haven’t gotten any packages lately, bubble wrap inexpensive and easily found at office supply stores.

Buy bubble wrap

6. Loop board
Create a simple threading activity with a board, screw eyes, and some cord or a shoelace.

Get the instructions

You might also like:
— 6 Ways to Help Seniors with Alzheimer’s Keep Hands Busy
— 12 Engaging Activities for Seniors with Dementia: Reduce Agitation and Boost Mood
— 40+ No Fail Activities for Seniors with Cognitive Issues

By DailyCaring Editorial Team
Images: Pinterest, BabyFirst TV, A Little Learning for Two, At the Butterfly Ball, Rhythms of Play, Google Images, Your Therapy Source

This article wasn’t sponsored, but does contain affiliate links. We never link to products for the sole purpose of making a commission. Product recommendations are based on our honest opinions. For more information, see How We Make Money.

Print this page