 JOAN'S BLOG - TUES./WED.,DECEMBER 9/10, 2008 -HOLIDAY TIP #5 - APPROPRIATE GIFTS FOR ALL STAGES OF AD You would not think that something like gift The other school of thought, adhered to by many social workers and family members, is that such “toys” demean the patient - that during moments of lucidity they would lose their dignity. They suggest music CD’s as a better alternative. I have nothing against music Below are some gift suggestions based upon stages of the disease: Early – In the early stages, brain games to exercise their cognition are a good option – Crossword puzzles Middle – Fruit basket Later stages – At the risk of offending anyone, I think whatever brings comfort is appropriate – stuffed animals CLICK HERE to Try Amazon for all of your gift needs. ©Copyright 2008 Joan Gershman Feedback to joan@thealzheimerspouse.com
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giving would have any controversy attached to it, but there is one in the AD world of “experts”. It is called “age appropriateness”. Many of you have spouses in the later stages of AD, to whom the holidays mean nothing, but you may feel the desire to give them “something” that will offer them pleasure
, especially those of you with spouses in nursing homes
. As we know, in the later stages of AD, the patient regresses to a child-like state in cognition and physical abilities, with little or no memory of their loved ones
. They are often agitated
. Stuffed animals
; soft dolls
; brightly colored picture books
are a few of the items that can be calming and soothing to hold
, stoke, or in the case of the books, look at and enjoy the pictures. Many doctors, nurses, and family members welcome any “gift” that will soothe an AD patient. 
. As you will see from my list below, I think music is an appropriate gift throughout all of the AD stages. It is just my opinion that if a soft, stuffed animal can calm your spouse or put a smile on their face, there is no harm in it. As is always my intention, I present the information and let you choose what you feel is best for yourself and your spouse. I welcome your views, pro and con. 
; online scrabble
; hand/eye coordination hand held games 
(i.e. Tetris); building hobby kits (SIMPLE cars; airplanes; boats
);Music CD’s
. If you plan to buy your spouse an IPod
, or any other piece of electronic equipment through which to play the music, make sure someone pre-programs it, so it’s all ready to go, and will cause no frustration
for your AD spouse who may no longer be able to read manuals and follow directions. (I don’t suffer from AD; I consider myself somewhat intelligent and computer savvy, and I CAN’T GET ONE SONG INTO AN IPOD!)
; food goodie basket
; elementary level vocabulary games- there are many such board games
; family picture album
; Music CD’s.
; dolls; soft blankets
; a visit from a dog or cat
; Music CD’s.