DEAR DR. MICHELLE,
My mom has Alzheimer’s and has no interest in doing anything other than watching TV all day. Any suggestions for ways to get her to be more active?
As Alzheimer’s progresses, it can be more challenging for people to engage in their usual activities or new ones. This could be for many reasons, including that the person no longer remembers the activity, does not have the ability to get started on it, feels hopeless to do it well or correctly, or just lacks interest. As frustrating as this may be for you, keep in mind that your mom may not be choosing to be inactive, but is responding to what is happening to her.
Rather than insist on her participating in a particular activity or just not watching TV, try to gently introduce additional types of stimulation. For example, the company of others along with some conversation is one possibility. Keeping craft materials on hand and in view for individual exploration or as a group activity is another idea. Music is another great source of stimulation, especially songs or pieces she used to enjoy. You can include handheld instruments, like tambourines, and even do a little dancing. If available, pets are another helpful source. Kitchen creations are also a great option, edible or not.
The point is to make activities fun and engaging, not demanding. Bring a lightness to it and you may be surprised at how much she- you, and others who accompany her – may enjoy it!
DEAR DR. MICHELLE,
Are there any new approaches to the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease other than the monoclonal antibody drugs (like aducanumab and lecanemab) we’ve heard about recently?
Yes, currently there is a robust pipeline of experimental therapies to treat Alzheimer’s. We know that the disease process is complicated so the treatment probably will be, too. Most experts agree that we will need a cocktail of medications to treat and cure Alzheimer’s and the mixture needed may differ across individuals. Among the types of treatments being studied are those aimed at reducing amyloid, tau, neuroinflammation, and other brain effects caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Some medicines are in pill form, others are given by injection or infusion. There are even experimental therapies using technology as a means of slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s (i.e., the new HOPE trial by Cognito.) Hope is such an important component to healing: get it, give it. I urge people not to ignore their memory concerns but to take advantage of the different options available. A great place to find information about all of the experimental trials being done in the United States is clinicaltrials.gov.
Given all of the research, dedication, and need, I am optimisitic that we are getting closer to the goal of offering patients a cocktail of medicines to help combat the disease from different pathways.
*Michelle Papka, Ph.D. is the Founder of The Cognitive and Research Center of New Jersey (The CRCNJ) in Springfield, NJ. The mission of The CRCNJ is to provide no-cost diagnostic, treatment and supportive resources through clinical research opportunities to people affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders.
