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Birthdays and
holidays pose special challenges for those trying to find a gift for a loved one
with Alzheimer’s disease. What once would have been a good idea no longer works
— the gift may be too complicated or meaningless or, worse, dangerous. And what
may have been a great idea in the early stages of Alzheimer’s will no longer
work later on, as our loved ones change and regress further back into their
younger days.

What will they find comfort in? What will make them smile? What
is safe for them? What would be useful? In many cases, the answers are so simple
that it might have been easier for a child to think of them! Gifts such as
stuffed toys and dolls, children’s brightly colored picture books, a deck of
cards, four-piece puzzles, dominoes —all of these will bring a smile.

You will need to tailor your gifts to each stage of the
disease. The progression of the disease can be roughly divided into three
categories, which are noted ahead with gift-giving ideas for each.

Mildly impaired stage: Most people in this stage of
Alzheimer’s are able to communicate fairly well, are active, and need to be
engaged in some activity. They are aware of their condition and struggle to
remain independent, so gifts that enhance independence or encourage activity are
good choices. Some suggestions:

• Clothing that’s easy to get on and off. Slippers and shoes that slide on.
  Movies. Cassettes or CDs of sing-alongs. Simple games. Tickets to a concert,
  musical, circus, or sporting event (something without a plot). A trip to the
  mall for some window-shopping. A taxi charge account for visits to friends.
  Frozen homemade meals. A photo album, collage, or scrapbook of the person’s
  life or career, or a video diary. A fruit basket or flowers.

Moderately impaired stage: Communicating becomes more
difficult. They will need help dressing and be unable to manage most daily
activities without supervision or help. Wandering begins. Exercise is important
but attention span varies, so activities are best limited to 15 minutes.

• Some manipulative children’s toys and tools. A brightly colored toolbox
  filled with things the person would enjoy. A “busy board” full of things to
  manipulate. Simple-to-manage clothing. Materials that can be sorted, such as
  coins, beads, or buttons. A box of costume jewelry. Beauty products, especially
  for women who always wore makeup (and help her put them on!). A basket of yarn
  or fabric. Music, such as songs dating back to childhood or religious music. A
  taped religious service. DVDs of old movies or musicals. Nonskid shoes or boots
  that close with Velcro instead of shoelaces. In winter, traction devices, such
  as Yaktrax, that are attached to shoes or boots and offer good grip on snow and
  ice. A cane with a sharp tip for managing winter conditions.

Severely impaired stage: There is almost no understanding of
the spoken word, and the person is unable to speak coherently. Attention span is
very short. Only the simplest tasks can be managed. Often their long-term memory
takes them back to the days when they lived somewhere else.

• Recordings of old music. Stuffed animals or lifelike baby dolls. Videotapes
  of soothing sounds and sights (such as gardens or fish tanks). Hand/body lotions
  and massages to go with them (but don’t massage the legs, as blood clots can
  form). Pet visits. Family photo albums or memory books. A basket with things of
  comfort.

For more gift ideas, visit The Alzheimer’s Store at http://www.alzstore.com/, or call (800)
752-3238 to request a catalog. It offers products in the following categories:
Safety, Wandering, Activities of Daily Living, Falls, Incontinence, Caregiving,
Forgetfulness, Memory Stimulation, Books, Activities and Entertainment, Audio
and Video, Gifts, Spiritual, Early Stage Products, Middle Stage Products, and
Later Stage Products.

Finally, be sure and check with the facility where your loved one resides,
for their ideas about gifts, clothing, and safety items that might be
appreciated. And don’t forget the gift of your presence. Having someone read to
them — though they might not understand the words, your voice will be comforting
— walk with them, or just sit with them means so much.