Why this matters: Structured physical activity, social engagement, and meaningful cognitive activities have strong research support for slowing cognitive decline and improving quality of life in dementia.
This log helps you discover what this specific person responds to best — then do more of it.
Patient name
Week of
Completed by
RESPONSE KEY — use these codes in the Response column
E = Engaged & enjoyed
P = Participated (neutral)
R = Resistant but completed
X = Refused / distressing
– = Not attempted
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
| Activity | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Best response | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walking (outdoors) | |||||||||
| Walking (indoors) | |||||||||
| Chair exercises / stretching | |||||||||
| Gardening / light yard work | |||||||||
| Dancing / movement to music | |||||||||
| Other physical: |
COGNITIVE & CREATIVE ACTIVITIES
| Activity | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Best response | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music (listening) | |||||||||
| Music (singing along) | |||||||||
| Reading / being read to | |||||||||
| Puzzles / simple games | |||||||||
| Reminiscing / looking at photos | |||||||||
| Drawing / colouring / crafts | |||||||||
| Watching familiar TV / films | |||||||||
| Other cognitive: |
SOCIAL & MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES
| Activity | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Best response | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family visit (in person) | |||||||||
| Phone / video call | |||||||||
| Friend or neighbour visit | |||||||||
| Community / day program outing | |||||||||
| Helping with a simple task (folding, sorting) | |||||||||
| Pet interaction | |||||||||
| Other social / meaningful: |
WEEKLY INSIGHTS
Activities that produced the most joy or engagement this week
Activities that caused agitation or distress — avoid or modify
Best time of day for activity (morning / afternoon / evening)
New activity to try next week
Activity ideas to try — especially for people who are resistant to structured activities
☐ Folding towels or laundry
☐ Sorting objects (buttons, coins)
☐ Watering plants
☐ Looking through cookbooks
☐ Simple baking (stirring, rolling)
☐ Feeding birds
☐ Familiar songs from their era
☐ Old family videos or photos
☐ Simple card games (Go Fish, Snap)
☐ Gentle stretching to music
☐ Painting or watercolour
☐ Walking a pet or watching animals
Research note: Structured physical activity, music therapy, and social engagement have the strongest evidence base for improving quality of life and slowing decline in dementia. Even 20 minutes of gentle walking daily has measurable cognitive benefits. The goal is not performance — it's engagement and joy. · gurjotnarwal.com/how-i-can-help