Regular activity is good for the person's body and mind. It may even help slow the progression of the disease. Keep to their old routines when possible. It also helps to:

• Do things together. Go for a walk, garden, or bake a cake. Basic, repetitive activities are good choices.
• Be active as often as possible. This releases pent-up energy, which can reduce restlessness and improve sleep.
• Include social activities. Take the person to see friends and family. But try to keep things simple. Loud noises, crowds, or too many people talking at once can be upsetting.

Be sure all prescribed medicines are taken as directed. These tips can help:

• Supervise the person if they can't safely take medicines alone.
• Set a routine so medicines are taken at the same time each day.
• Ensure that all medicines are taken. A pillbox can help you keep track.
• Plan ahead. Refill prescriptions before they run out.

At mealtime, serve healthy foods with plenty of fluids. These tips can also help:

• Keep meals simple. Too many choices can be overwhelming. Try to maintain a calm, quiet atmosphere while you eat.
• Place healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit, out where they can be seen.
• Watch eating habits. People with dementia may eat too little or too much. Talk with the doctor if you have concerns.
• Try finger foods if regular meals become too difficult for the person to eat.

People with dementia may have trouble choosing what to wear. It's okay if clothes don't always match. But if help is needed:

• Choose clothing that's easy to put on and take off. Use shoes or slippers that fasten with a hook and loop.
• Lay out a fresh outfit each day. Place clothes in the order they should be put on.
• If more help is needed, hand over clothing items one at a time. Explain how each item should be put on.
• Put dirty clothes away so they're not worn again.

Getting the person to bathe can be a real challenge. Try these tips:

• Treat bathing as a routine activity. But be flexible. A daily bath is probably unrealistic and probably not needed.
• Prepare bath items ahead of time. Be sure to test the water temperature.
• Don't leave the person alone in the bath or shower.
• Try visiting a barbershop or beauty salon for help with hair washing, hair styling, and shaving.

In later stages, people with dementia may have trouble controlling their bladder or bowel (incontinence). To ease problems:

• Set a routine for using the toilet (for example, every 3 hours), and stick to it.
• Limit beverages before bedtime to prevent accidents. A bedside commode may also help.
• Be understanding if accidents happen. The person may be as upset as you.
• At some point, the person may need to wear an adult diaper.
• Talk with a doctor if incontinence develops suddenly. It may signal other health issues that can be treated.

Contact the doctor if you notice a sudden change in the person's behavior or emotions. These changes may be due to dementia. But they could also signal other health problems that can be treated.