Does your loved one tend to fidget or do some kind of repetitive motion? Fidgeting can be a way that people with Alzheimer’s deal with feelings of restlessness. One member of myALZteam noted that their husband constantly takes cards in and out of a wallet. The wife of another member picks at skin until it breaks open.

It can be hard to know how to manage a loved one’s restlessness, especially if it leads to problem behaviors. Fidget toys can be a helpful product for people with Alzheimer’s disease to redirect their restlessness.

Alzheimer’s and Restlessness

People with Alzheimer’s disease often experience agitation and restlessness. There are a few reasons your loved one might show signs of restlessness:

• They might feel anxious for different reasons, which can turn into restlessness.
• Restlessness can be a side effect of a medication they are taking (such as an antipsychotic medication).
• Restless legs syndrome can also cause restlessness, most commonly at night.
• Feeling restless can be a symptom of dementia itself.

Restlessness can also show up as any sort of repetitive behavior. Sometimes this behavior can be as harmless as playing with a set of keys. Other times, repetitive behaviors can be disruptive or inappropriate because of the loss of inhibition that comes with dementia. In these situations, it can be best to distract from or redirect the behavior. This is where sensory toys can help.

Benefits of Sensory Toys and Objects

Sensory toys, sometimes also called fidget toys, can be a great way to redirect nervous energy. Fidgeting can help reduce anxiety through sensory stimulation. Another benefit of fidget toys is that they can improve your loved one’s mood and help them participate in activities.

Sensory toys also help your loved one improve their dexterity (the ability to use their hands) and cognitive function (mental ability). It’s important to continue to engage your loved one’s motor skills and brain, especially as the disease continues to progress.

Objects in Your Home

Many household objects can be used as fidget toys. Some members of myALZteam have mentioned that their loved ones play with a set of keys. Anything with zippers or snaps can easily be used as a fidget toy. If your loved one still has pretty good use of their fingers, they can push buttons on objects like remotes or flashlights.

One member of myALZteam gives their husband a small tape measure to take out of a pocket and play with or use to measure objects, an activity that also makes them feel helpful. People with Alzheimer’s can sometimes feel a lack of purpose, since they may not be able to participate in their normal activities. This is why it’s even more important to find ways to make them feel included and helpful.

Another myALZteam member spills a bucket of screws and nuts so that their husband can sort them into their respective categories. Matching lug nuts or washers and screws and screwing them on can also be a simple activity.

A weighted blanket is another item that can help reduce anxiety and restlessness in some people with Alzheimer’s.

Sensory Toys

There are also many sensory toys available. Some are marketed specifically as Alzheimer’s products, but you don’t need an Alzheimer’s-specific one. Typical fidget toys, such as fidget spinners, fidget slugs, or push pop bubbles, can work well. It all depends on what type of motions, actions, or sensations your loved one enjoys and will be occupied by.

Companies such as Always Home Connected have some great options of more elaborate sensory toys:

• Sensory fidget blanket — This blanket has multiple textures, buttons, zippers, and buckles to provide a variety of sensory stimulation.
• Twiddles — A Twiddle is a large roll of soft, textured fabric that has different sensory gadgets attached, such as ribbons, beads, and snaps. There are cat- or dog-shaped options available for additional comfort.
• The Montessori Busy Cube — Each side of this cube has different attachments — such as a fidget spinner, key and lock, wheel, and knobs — to keep your loved one’s hands busy and their mind occupied.
• Wooden fidget busy board — Like the cube, the busy board has a range of attachments to fidget with, such as a zipper, switch, and slider beads.

If you or someone in your family is handy, you could create a busy board of your own. This way, you can customize it to your loved one’s favorite fidgeting activities.

Other companies that offer sensory toys include the Alzheimer’s Society Shop. Some of their options include:

• Tactile Turn — This fabric ring can be turned inside out over and over again.
• Companion toy cats and dogs — These come in many varieties and provide a sense of companionship and calm. Some are even robotic or have lifelike and interactive features.
• Fidget Widget Tool Kit — The wooden tools in this set move in different ways to keep hands and minds busy.

These sensory toy options can also make easy and thoughtful gift ideas for people with Alzheimer’s. Think about your loved one’s abilities and preferences to find toys that work for them. There are lots of options online. A toy store is another place you might find inspiration. Kids’ toys often have lots of gadgets and attachments that can be engaging for older adults as well.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myALZteam, the social network for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with Alzheimer’s.

Has your loved one found a sensory toy they enjoy? What features does your loved one enjoy the most? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.