In the challenging landscape of cognitive health, where the risk of developing dementia looms over countless individuals, the quest for effective interventions becomes imperative. Navigating the realm of brain health is a complex journey, especially for those whose cognitive abilities are gradually slipping away.
In this pursuit, the efficacy of brain training games in bolstering cognitive resilience stands as a beacon of hope. However, amidst the plethora of options available, how can we ensure that the act of playing games becomes a potent weapon in the arsenal against cognitive decline?
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Best Brain Games for Dementia Patients
One of the essential things to remember when taking care of persons with dementia or if you have one is to keep your brain healthy and active. In this article, I will discuss various games for dementia patients that will help stimulate their brains and keep their minds going. Listed below are some of the brain games for dementia patients, word games for dementia patients, and board games for dementia patients that will help ensure that they will have better improvement in their overall lives.
Dementia in General
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. Other forms of dementia include Lewy Body Disease, Vascular dementia, and Huntington’s Disease. The common trait of these different forms is that they all weaken or addle the mind. Most, if not all, forms of dementia have no known or prescribed cure. Scientists and researchers are continuously trying their best to offer solutions but to no avail.
However, some studies suggest that more cognitive and intellectual activities are vital in helping slow down the progression of the disease. If you want to learn more about how to slow down dementia, I have an article that talks in-depth about the ways and methods to help. The article’s title is “How to Slow Down Dementia Progression,” and you can access the article by clicking the title above.
Every Day Mental Stimulus
We have all heard several times that exercising the brain is one of the most important things to ensure daily. Making it a part of your everyday life always brings immediate and long-term benefits. The brain can easily be stimulated by reading or through social activities.
Seniors will find it a bit more challenging since they have difficulty reading or doing several social activities. Exercising the brain becomes even more difficult for seniors with dementia since they have even more problems to take care of in their everyday lives. They need stimulating, fun, and easy games to exercise their brains.
Games for Dementia Patients
When choosing the perfect game for dementia patients, it is crucial to remember that the games involved should not be too physically taxing. Most seniors will have trouble moving too quickly or much at a given time. If you were to force them to do so would create more problems for them in the long run. The games I’ve listed in this article require little to no movement and can be done not only by seniors but with the rest of the family. However, it would help if you didn’t forget to take stretch breaks while playing for long hours.
In a study made by Glenn E. Smith et al., involving adults ages 65 years old and above, the results showed significant improvement in memory and attention when given training 1 hour per day, five days per week for eight weeks. The games provide the much-needed stimulus that helps in waking up their brains. That is why people often say that to keep your mind sharp, you need to sharpen it constantly. Including at least an hour of brain games daily will help promote better brain health. Of course, you can’t have the same few sets of games over and over again. Hopefully, the games I’ve prepared for this article will be more than enough.
Note: You should know the different stages of dementia and, more importantly, what stage your senior is in. The reason is that the more severe the stage, the less likely that they will even get to play these games. It would be best to go for simple games or conversations to give them much-needed mental stimuli.
Fun Games
Bingo
There is a reason why seniors frequent most bingo places. This game requires little to no effort from seniors since all they’ll do is sit down, mark their sheets and remember to say BINGO when they eventually win. It would help if you kept an eye on them, though, since paper can get a bit sharp and can easily cut even the most careful of hands. Also, make sure to bring water for your senior with dementia. Lastly, try to have some bells or a buzzer near them so they won’t have to strain themselves from shouting.
Card Games
You can play various card games, which are perfect brain games for dementia patients. One example of this is the game Number, Color, Suit. The game’s mechanics is that you will first need to remove the joker from the deck of cards. Place the cards face up, and you will say out loud the number of the card, get another card, and then you will say out loud the color, and then another card, and you will say out loud the suit of the card. The process repeats itself until you finish all the cards from the deck.
Jenga
Jenga is a game involving blocks you stack up, wherein players take turns removing each block and placing them on top of the tower. The aim is not to have the tower fall. The person who gets a block and makes the tower fall loses.
Brain Games
The second category on the list is some brain games for dementia patients that can involve a bit of problem-solving, like Sudoko, and these are a perfect way to exercise our brains while still having fun.
Sudoku
One of the most popular brain games is Sudoko. The game aims to fill a 9×9 grid with the numbers 1 to 9. So that each row, column, and 3×3 grid contains the numbers 1 to 9. Note that numbers 1 to 9 should not repeat per row, column, and 3×3 grid, making it even more challenging. If this game is a bit difficult for your elderly loved one with dementia, there are beginner levels that they can try.
Picture Puzzles
Picture puzzles or jigsaw puzzles are perfect brain games for dementia patients since it involves being able to pay attention to detail. Another benefit of this game is it helps exercise both the left and right sides of your brain. If you buy picture puzzles for your elderly loved ones, it is best to buy one that has bigger puzzle pieces so that they can see each piece better.
Trivia
Trivia is a general category for various brain games that everyone can play, not just your elderly loved one, and can be played by two players or more, and one will provide the category while the other will ask the question. Trivia is a fantastic game to play with your elderly loved one since it is interactive, and you can play with the whole family.
Spot the Difference
Spot the difference is a game wherein there are two seemingly identical pictures provided side-by-side. The aim is to identify the difference between the two pictures. A fantastic game that is inexpensive and helps improve focus, spot the difference is surely one to try.
Word Games
Crossword Puzzles
Crossword puzzles are one of the word games for dementia patients I can recommend because it is a classic and almost everyone knows how to play it. Aside from the mentioned benefits, nearly all newspapers include crossword puzzles, thus, making it an inexpensive way to boost your brain.
Hangman
Another fun and inexpensive game for dementia patients to play are Hangman. All you need are two players, one who will provide the word, while the other person will try and guess.. Hangman is a fun game you can play with your loved one with dementia.
Lumosity
Lumosity is a fantastic app for your elderly loved ones to use, which has many functions too. There are three games that this app focuses on, and they are problem-solving, memory, speed of thinking, and attention. Make sure to help your elderly loved one navigate through the app to ensure that they will have fun.
Board Games
Mindful Play is a collection of board games for dementia sufferers. These games are easy to play, promote cognitive stimulation, and encourage social interaction. With simple rules and engaging themes, they bring joy and a sense of accomplishment to players.
Scrabble
A game that everyone has loved and played is Scrabble. It is both a word game and a board game that involves two to four players. The players compete by placing letters on the board to write down words, ultimately gaining the highest score overall.
Chess
Chess is a classic board game that can help boost brain health. Researchers have found that games like chess help with memory decline. The possible reason for this is that chess challenges our critical thinking abilities and our ability to memorize. Chess is also a perfect game since it does not involve any taxing activity.
Monopoly
Monopoly is a real-estate-inspired board game that two to eight players can play. This game can help keep our brains active because it involves computation, business acuity, and much fun. Monopoly is one of my favorite board games to play in general because of the competitiveness involved in the game.
Video Credits: @DementiaCareblazers
Dementia – Is Not the End of Everything
Having the prospect of developing dementia or knowing someone who is on that journey might seem like the end of everything – but that should not be the case. Dementia, although uncurable for now, should not hinder you and your loved ones’ moments together.
As such, it is vital to incorporate cognitively stimulating activities into your daily lives to slow down dementia, like the brain games for dementia patients listed above, which include word games for dementia patients and board games for dementia patients. Engaging in these activities is not only a preventative measure to help brain cells stay active but also a positive step towards maintaining mental health.
Always remember that every moment counts, and making memories whenever possible can be a powerful way to treat dementia and cherish the moments you have together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Brain Training Games, and How Do They Benefit Dementia Patients?
Brain training games are specially designed cognitive exercises that aim to stimulate various mental functions. For dementia patients, these games can help maintain and even enhance cognitive abilities by engaging the brain in tasks that challenge memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. The goal is to slow down cognitive decline and improve overall brain health.
How Do I Choose the Most Suitable Brain Games for a Dementia Patient?
When selecting brain games for dementia patients, consider their current cognitive abilities, preferences, and interests. Opt for games that are specifically designed for individuals with dementia, offering a balance between enjoyable gameplay and targeted cognitive challenges. Look for user-friendly interfaces and adaptable difficulty levels to ensure an engaging and effective experience.
Can Brain Games Really Prevent or Delay the Onset of Dementia?
While brain games alone may not prevent or cure dementia, they have shown potential in slowing down cognitive decline and improving overall brain function. It’s essential to view these games as part of a holistic approach to brain health, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and social engagement. Consult with healthcare professionals for personalized recommendations.
Are There Any Potential Drawbacks or Limitations to Using Brain Games for Dementia Patients?
While brain games can offer cognitive benefits, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some individuals may find certain games frustrating or overwhelming, and it’s crucial to monitor the emotional well-being of dementia patients during gameplay. Additionally, relying solely on brain games may neglect other important aspects of dementia care, such as emotional support and physical health.
How Often Should Dementia Patients Engage in Brain Training Games, and What Is the Ideal Duration for Each Session?
The frequency and duration of brain training sessions for dementia patients may vary based on individual needs and preferences. In general, shorter, more frequent sessions tend to be more effective than longer, infrequent ones. Aim for consistency and adapt the duration based on the individual’s comfort level and attention span. Regular monitoring and adjustments can help tailor the experience to maximize cognitive benefits.
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