Helpful Gifts for Dementia Patients

Dementia is a condition in which abnormal brain changes lead to memory impairment, language loss, and/or difficulties with problem-solving and other cognitive skills to an extent that interferes with their daily functioning and quality of life. As many as 60%-80% of dementia cases are caused by Alzheimer's, although dementia symptoms can also develop due to Lewy Body Dementia, Huntington's disease, and other conditions. 

Per Caring's 2024 dementia caretakers survey, 60% of caretakers say their loved one is in the early stages of dementia. This gift guide contains recommendations for each stage.

If you are a friend, family or caregiver of someone with dementia and want to get them a present that will bring them joy or comfort, some gifts may be better choices than others. The best gifts for dementia patients include cognitively engaging activities, soothing sensory objects, and sentimental items that remind them of the past and/or their family. Practical items that assist them with everyday activities also make great dementia gifts.     

The best dementia gifts may vary depending on the patient's stage of dementia and personality.
Early-stage dementia patients may enjoy items that provide them with minimal support to maintain their independence and benefit from cognitively challenging activities. Middle- and late-stage patients may need items that provide additional support and maximum comfort, which allow them to experience joy with their remaining senses and memories. 

According to the Alzheimer's Association, great gifts for people with dementia include those that keep them engaged and involved in routine activities while ensuring their safety. The best items may change depending on the patient's stage of dementia, as they will typically become more limited in their abilities and require more support as time progresses. 

Fortunately, people with dementia often retain their sense of imagination and emotions, even into later stages. Additionally, research cited by the American Music Therapy Association shows that the entire brain processes music, potentially making musical memories accessible to dementia patients with reduced brain tissue function. As such, music may improve orientation, memory recall, and communication while decreasing anxiety and depression. Sam Fazio, Ph.D., a researcher with the Alzheimer's Association, found that music, art, and other activities cognitively and socially engage people with middle-to-late-stage dementia, often improving their mood and reducing feelings of isolation. Arts and crafts, along with recordings of their favorite songs, may make excellent presents for many dementia patients. 

According to the Head of Research and Publications at Dementia UK, presents should be linked to prior interests, and including the patient when deciding on activities or hobbies to explore is heavily encouraged, no matter what stage of dementia they are currently experiencing. Familiarity with their daily routines, favorite hobbies or cherished memories, and current challenges can help to narrow down gift options. For example, adaptive utensils for a loved one who wants to feed themselves but struggles to eat or an MP3 player with soothing songs by the favorite band of someone experiencing increased agitation make meaningful presents that consider patients' needs and preferences.   

Dementia is a progressive disease, typically classified into three stages, depending on symptom severity: 

• Early or Mild Dementia: At this stage, individuals can still function independently but start to become aware of their own memory problems. These symptoms may also begin to be noticed by friends and family and become diagnosable by a medical professional. 
• Middle or Moderate Dementia: This period is the longest stage and may last for years. An individual transitions from independence to needing assistance with routine tasks, and their personality and/or behavior may change and become unpredictable in this stage.
• Late or Severe Dementia: In this stage, individuals struggle with mobility, communication, and engaging with their surroundings. There may also be extreme changes in their personality and behavior. 

It is important to recognize that specific symptoms may vary by individual in each stage, including the speed at which the condition progresses. This guide explores gifts for people with dementia in each of the three stages. 

At the mild or early stage of dementia, individuals often remain independent and capable of everyday activities like driving, working, and socializing. However, they may begin to notice problems with their memory, such as impaired word recall or forgetting where they placed items. In addition to this, family and friends may also notice the first indications of memory issues. Forgetting words or names, difficulties with planning or organizing, and experiencing social or work-related challenges are also common at this stage.

During this early period, great dementia gifts include those that offer individuals a minimal level of support so that patients can continue to complete tasks with as much independence as possible. Unique to this early stage, patients can still apply new knowledge — research has revealed that stimulating games or activities may slow memory decline and enable them to remain independent for longer. Research shows that board games can help with memory, video games can boost reasoning, and virtual reality games can strengthen physical and cognitive abilities. 

Gift ideas in early-stage dementia include:

• Items with labels to write on and help with word recall, or whiteboards to write reminders of the daily schedule or inform patients of important upcoming events
• A custom-made calendar with family photographs and important events clearly marked 
• Board games, video games, or virtual reality games to strengthen their cognitive abilities
• Books, newspapers, or online content to encourage engagement and promote cognition 
• Gift certificates for transportation or participating in a favorite pastime or hobby

At the moderate or middle stage of dementia, individuals have continued brain damage, which causes considerable difficulties. They may use the wrong words, become unable to express themselves, or struggle to complete everyday tasks independently. They may often show emotional changes, such as frustration and anger, in addition to unexpected and challenging behaviors. They may become confused by their location, not know the day or time, and forget important memories or events. Physical symptoms can develop — they may experience incontinence and/or follow inconsistent sleep patterns. Patients may also wander frequently and become easily disoriented.

Because this stage is characterized as a time when patients may struggle with everyday activities and experience strong negative emotions and physical challenges, gifts that can make tasks easier or provide patients with comfort can be especially helpful. Music has been shown to reduce agitation and deliver emotional and behavioral benefits. Further, items such as pictures or objects from the patient's distant past can encourage them to talk about their associated memories. These pictures can be uplifting, as long-term memories are typically stronger in dementia patients than shorter-term memories — recalling events can keep them focused on positive thoughts. 

Gift ideas in middle-stage dementia include the following:

• Loose, slip-on, and/or wrinkle-free clothing and accessories that are comfortable and easy to put on and take off
• Albums or collages with pictures and names of friends and family or a playlist with the patient's favorite music
• A soft or weighted blanket, massage ball, aromatherapy, or other items that the patient enjoys and can promote peace and reduce agitation
• Equipment to help in areas where patients may struggle, such as adaptive eating utensils, a phone with pictures of contacts, or a digital clock with an extra-large display of the date and time
• Beloved objects from their past, favorite board games, pictures of pets, old family videos, or other items that can evoke memories and initiate conversation

In severe, later stages of dementia, individuals cannot take care of their own daily personal care and require continual assistance. They may become completely disoriented to their surroundings and find even the most basic communication challenging. Their short-term memory of very recent events may be lost. Physical changes include becoming prone to infections and experiencing a declining ability to walk, sit, or even swallow.

Gift recommendations for patients in late-stage dementia are similar to those with mid-stage dementia but may need to provide more support. For example, while having clothing that is easy to take on and off is helpful during both stages, non-slip socks may be particularly useful during later stages as individuals struggle more with mobility. While arts and crafts are also beneficial to all dementia patients, they can be particularly uplifting for those who have lost the ability to verbally communicate or express themselves and can help these individuals still feel connected to others and their surroundings. 

Gift ideas in late-stage dementia include the following: 

• Velcro-fastening shoes, non-slip socks, or automatic nightlights
• Adaptive eating equipment, a large-button clock, or a simple on/off music player
• A playlist with soothing songs they enjoy may promote calm and relaxation
• A collection of past beloved items that engage their senses and remind them of the past
• Paints, coloring books, or other art that allows non-verbal expression

Dementia is a progressive disease with symptoms that worsen over time. While those with mild dementia can still function independently, individuals with moderate dementia will likely need assistance with daily activities. Severe-stage dementia patients have difficulty with basic activities, mobility, and interactions. Gifts for dementia patients should consider their abilities while also taking their personal preferences into account to provide a safe source of assistance, entertainment, and/or comfort.

• Denning, K.H. Meaningful activities for a person with dementia. (2021). DementiaUK
• Games and activities for dementia patients. (2022). Alzheimer's Research Association 
• Geiger, J. et al. Fact sheet: music therapy and dementia care. (2021). American Music Therapy Association, Inc.
• Gift guide for caregivers and people living with dementia. (2024). Alzheimer's Association
• Stages of Alzheimer's. (2023). Alzheimer's Association
• What is dementia? Symptoms, causes & treatment. (2024). Alzheimer's Association
• Wheeler, R.B. Get creative to ease Alzheimer's agitation. (2023). WebMD