Dementia is a condition that changes the way a person thinks, remembers, and behaves. When someone has dementia, their brain finds it harder to plan and organize daily activities. This can make even simple tasks, like making a meal or getting dressed, feel confusing or overwhelming. The ability to plan and schedule things is affected because dementia damages the parts of the brain that handle these skills. People with dementia may forget steps in a process, lose track of time, or struggle to make decisions. This is why routines and structure become so important for them.
Planning and scheduling are not just about remembering appointments or making to-do lists. For someone with dementia, these skills are needed for everyday life. They help a person know what to do next, when to do it, and how to get from one activity to another. When dementia makes this harder, it can lead to frustration, anxiety, and confusion. For example, a person might forget to eat, not know when to take medication, or get lost in a familiar place. These problems happen because the brain’s ability to organize information and follow through on plans is weakened by the disease [1].
One of the main ways dementia affects planning is by making it difficult to think ahead. People with dementia often live more in the present moment. They may not be able to look at a calendar and plan for next week, or remember that they have a doctor’s appointment in a few days. This is because the disease impacts the part of the brain that handles future thinking and memory. As a result, they may need help from caregivers to keep track of important dates and events. Using memory aids like calendars, whiteboards, or reminder apps can make a big difference. Placing a large calendar in a central location where the person can see it every day helps them stay aware of what is happening and what comes next [1].
Scheduling daily activities also becomes more challenging. People with dementia may forget the order of tasks, like brushing teeth before eating breakfast, or they might repeat the same activity over and over. This is because the brain’s ability to sequence actions is affected. A structured daily routine can help by making each day predictable. When activities happen at the same time and in the same order every day, it reduces confusion and makes it easier for the person to follow along. For example, waking up, eating meals, and going to bed at regular times creates a rhythm that supports their sense of security and order [1].
Caregivers play a key role in helping with planning and scheduling. They can break down tasks into smaller steps and guide the person through each one. For instance, instead of saying “get ready for bed,” a caregiver might say “first, brush your teeth, then put on your pajamas, and finally get into bed.” This step-by-step approach helps the person understand what to do and reduces the chance of mistakes or frustration. It also gives them a sense of control and independence, which is important for their emotional well-being [2].
Changes in the environment, like daylight saving time, can make planning and scheduling even harder for people with dementia. When the clocks change, it can disrupt their sense of time and routine. The extra darkness in the evening can increase confusion and agitation, especially for those with Alzheimer’s disease. Caregivers are advised to keep the house well lit and stick to regular routines as much as possible during these transitions. Overstimulating activities late in the day should be avoided, and the person should be kept calm and comfortable [2].
Familiarity is another important factor. When daily activities are predictable and follow a familiar pattern, it helps the person feel more secure. Bathing, grooming, and dressing in the same sequence each day provides comfort through predictability. This kind of routine gives the nervous system something to lean on, reducing anxiety and agitation. Experts emphasize that consistency is more than just routine; it is a form of therapy that helps patients feel safe, oriented, and emotionally stable [5].
Social connection also plays a role in planning and scheduling. Loneliness and isolation can worsen cognitive decline, so regular social interaction is important. Scheduling visits with family and friends, joining support groups, or participating in community programs can help stimulate the brain and provide emotional support. Even virtual connections, like video calls with loved ones, can make a difference in maintaining a sense of routine and connection [1].
Physical activity is another key part of daily planning. Studies have shown that walking between 5,000 and 7,500 steps a day can slow cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Including regular physical activity in the daily schedule not only supports brain health but also improves overall well-being. Simple exercises, like walking, stretching, or gentle yoga, can be incorporated into the routine to help maintain strength, flexibility, and balance [8].
Nutrition and hydration are also important. A balanced diet and proper hydration contribute to emotional stability and overall health. Caregivers should plan meals and snacks at regular times and ensure the person is drinking enough fluids throughout the day. Clear, reassuring communication from caregivers further supports a sense of emotional stability and helps the person feel safe and cared for [5].
Purposeful engagement activities, such as art, puzzles, music therapy, and reminiscence sessions, can also be included in the daily schedule. These activities stimulate cognitive pathways and help ground individuals emotionally. They provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment, which is important for maintaining a positive outlook and reducing agitation [5].
In summary, dementia makes planning and scheduling more difficult by affecting memory, sequencing, and decision-making skills. However, with the right support and strategies, it is possible to create a structured, predictable environment that helps the person feel secure and independent. Caregivers can use memory aids, break down tasks into smaller steps, maintain regular routines, and encourage social connection and physical activity. These approaches not only support cognitive health but also enhance the overall quality of life for people living with dementia [1][2][5][8].
Sources
[1] Dementia Management: Simple Daily Habits To Help Your Memory. Doral Health & Wellness. https://doralhw.org/dementia-management-simple-daily-habits-to-help-your-memory/
[2] Daylight Saving Time: impact on Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Toledo Free Press. https://toledofreepress.com/daylight-saving-time-impact-on-alzheimers-and-dementia-patients/
[5] Parent, grandparent has dementia? Specialists reveal 6 daily routines to dramatically reduce anxiety. Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/parent-grandparent-has-dementia-specialists-reveal-6-daily-routines-to-dramatically-reduce-anxiety/articleshow/125559001.cms
[8] Alzheimer’s decline could slow dramatically with one simple daily habit, study finds. Fox News. https://www.foxnews.com/health/alzheimers-decline-could-slow-dramatically-one-simple-daily-habit-study-finds
