Madison Makarewicz-Korey

Activity:
DIY Picture Puzzle

Sources:
Oakley, K., & Canadian Psychological Association. (2009, January). “Psychology Works” Fact
Sheet: Environmental Adaptations to Dementia. Retrieved from
https://cpa.ca/docs/File/Publications/FactSheets/PsychologyWorksFactSheet_Environm
entalAdaptationsToDementia.pdf

Stages of Alzheimer's. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/stages

10 Fun, No-Fail Activities for People with Dementia. (2018, December 30). Retrieved from
https://dailycaring.com/10-fun-failure-free-activities-for-people-with-dementia/

Equipment Needed:
1. A picture
2. Scissors
3. Laminator (optional)
4. Table
5. Chair

Activity Description:
1. The therapist running the activity will select a picture that means something to the
client. For example, they can choose a picture of their family, favorite vacation spot, or
anything they enjoy in general.
2. The therapist will laminate the picture to make it more durable and last longer
(optional).
3. Then the therapist will cut the picture into puzzle pieces
4. The client will receive the pieces and then has to put the puzzle together.

Primary Interaction Pattern:

This activity is an extraindividual intervention. Many ages can enjoy this activity because
it is altered to the client’s interest. It can help start conversation between the client and
therapist about stories about one’s past. This is an excellent idea for individuals with advance
Alzheimer’s disease because they will become forgetful of their own personal history. By having
them complete puzzles that resemble good aspects of their life or something they enjoy, they
might be able to remember some things of the past.

Adaptations:
Alzheimer’s can cause some behavioral problems with individuals. For example, one
may become agitated easily and then become aggressive with angry outbursts or screaming. To
prevent these behaviors, try not to over stimulation the client. You can work on the puzzle in a
quiet room with soft music playing in the background. You can also cut the picture into fewer
pieces, so the client is less overwhelmed.