My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2019, but I noticed changes in his cognitive abilities and willingness to be sociable two years before. He still functions pretty well around the house, but doesn't drive. I take care of everything: house and car maintenance, finances, health care, etc.
A week ago, my husband fell while we were out walking. His cane tip got stuck in a crack in the sidewalk and he lost his balance. He fell face forward into the street, had a bloodied knee and other bruises, but no major damage done.
He stayed in bed, sleeping mainly, for three days after the fall. He seemed a little more confused, but got up for meals. I attributed this to the trauma he experienced from the fall. Although he's not high maintenance at this point, and taking care of him is relatively easy, I still marveled at the peacefulness I experienced from his three days in bed. I didn't have to answer questions, or constantly keep an eye out to see what he was up to, and I enjoyed my solitude.
Now he's recovered and has started working on some jigsaw puzzles on his own, which he wouldn't do before. I bought some children's puzzles, 60 - 100 pieces rather than the "senior" puzzles, 16 -35 pieces. They're not babyish or mawkish, but vibrantly colored images of dinosaurs, aquatic life, etc. that keep his attention. He actually sits down, concentrates, and works until he completes a puzzle. Then he has a great sense of accomplishment. Maybe the three days in bed recharged his brain.