Something that seems to be enjoyable for Alzheimer's patients is to
read to them poetry. Especially when they have memorized certain
poems during their lifetimes, it is beneficial to find out if any of their
favorite poems are Catholic or Catholic-friendly.
I knew such a patient who had memorized the Hound of Heaven and
took consolation from hearing it read aloud. Also, the Scriptures in
Latin, for those who had a formation in the novitiate or seminary.
De Profundis or the Magnificat, the Nunc Dimitis or any of the Psalms.
Then you have spiritual reading such as The Secret of the Rosary by
St. Louis-Marie Grignon de Montfort. That's always a favorite because
of its inspirational and simple stories. Many of them are very short.
The writings of Fr. Leonard Feeney are very enjoyable to hear read
aloud. He had a great gift for writing, and there was a time when his
works were held in very high esteem by scholastics worldwide, that
is, until his practical banishment in the late 40's due to his tenacious
defense of EENS, which the world's bishops were trying to get RID
of leading up to Vatican II. Not a few elderly people sit on their
front porches reading Bread of Life over and over. When you have
Alzheimer's you get the joy of reading the same book again for the
first time!
If they want something more deep and serious, get them a copy of
St. Alphonsus de Liguori's Preparation for Death. They will not be
disappointed! And if you read it TO them, neither will you. When
you find that you are no longer able to read it or cannot finish it
because you don't want to pick it up again, that ought to tell you
something about yourself and your own readiness to meet your
maker!