Keep Learning

Although it’s always good to learn different skills, not everything you learn must be completely new. If they like cooking, simply trying a new recipe is a form of learning! Or try having another go at something they loved in the past – music, gardening, history.

Dementia might change how your loved one does things, but there's always a way! Learning might look different, but with tools and products, you can help them keep enjoying their activities. If reading is tricky, try audiobooks. If writing's hard, try drawing, or telling a story. Relish has lots of products designed and adapted with dementia in mind.

It’s good for your loved one to still challenge themselves and try new things. If they want to try something new but find this a bit daunting, break the task or challenge down into steps that they feel more comfortable achieving. But remember, if it doesn’t work that is ok – the process of giving something new a go is great for the brain and will make it a bit easier for the next time they want to try something new!

If technology feels new to your loved one, you can try using videos, online forums, or friends/family to help guide them through. Becoming more comfortable with technology is a new skill in itself, and it can also open a lot more areas for other learning opportunities.

Don’t feel your loved one has to learn everything at once or dedicate long hourly sessions to learning a new skill if that doesn’t work for them. Start with 10 or 15 minutes every few days – short regular bursts of activity can be more enjoyable and easier to manage then longer sessions.

Learning isn't just about reading. Try listening to music, feeling textures, smelling different scents, tasting familiar foods, or looking at pictures. Engaging multiple senses can make learning more immersive and memorable.

Learning can be social! Help them join a group, talk to a friend or family member about something they’re interested in, or share a memory. Conversation and connection can spark new ideas and reinforce what’s been learned.

The joy of learning is often in the experience itself. Enjoy the activity, the exploration, and the connection, even if they don't recall every detail later.

Learning should be a positive experience. If something feels frustrating, suggest taking a break or trying something different. There's no pressure, just enjoy the journey of discovery.