The Tray Game Test Your Memory With This Very Simple Game
This game can be played absolutely anywhere all you need is a tray and between 10-20 random items placed on it. Put it on the table and spend 5-10 minutes trying to memorise all the items. Take it away, and try to recall them by writing down what was on the tray! The great thing about this game is it can be played anywhere, with any number of people, and is great for working on memory recall and keeping your mind sharp.
Can Brain Training Games Improve Brain Health
Brain training games or computerized cognitive training consisting of programs of games designed specifically to exercise memory, attention, speed, flexibility, and problem-solving have become increasingly popular in recent years.
In 2018, according to the market research firm SharpBrains, people spent $1.9 billion on digital brain health and neurotechnology apps. Makers of these popular brain-training games claim that they can help ward off cognitive decline by keeping your brain sharp.
Scientists remain skeptical about how effective these brain-training games really are in improving brain health.
Few studies can show that getting better at a brain game transfers to everyday activities of daily living, says Kimberly D. Mueller, PhD, an assistant professor in the department of communication sciences and disorders at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.
That said, just like playing regular games, it is a vehicle for learning something new or challenging your brain, says Dr. Mueller. Based on what we know about how the brain works, learning new things with repeated practice, or challenging the brain in new ways, can strengthen connections between the neurons, or brain cells, adds Mueller.
RELATED: How 1 African American Woman With Early-Onset Alzheimers Is Educating Others About the Risk
Benefits Of Playing Games
Game playing in long term care facilities & nursing homes offers clients much more than just entertainment. The impact that playing games has on the health and well-being of individuals has been well documented.
Playing games provides an important source of relaxation, socialization and mental stimulation. It helps with coordination and dexterity, and fosters cooperation.
Other benefits that may be observed in clients engaged in games include:
- Cooperative behaviour
You May Like: Is Alzheimer’s Covered By Medicare
Games For Seniors To Enjoy In
Sometimes, flipping through channels and scrolling through social media can get repetitive. But when you’re craving social interaction, mental stimulation, and an hour of fun, playing games checks all three boxes. Below, we share our favorite games for seniors so you can piece together your own game night.
Playing games offers a number of benefits . Not only is it an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, but studies show that playing video games, putting together puzzles, or doing the occasional crossword helps stimulate the cerebellum and hippocampus, which play crucial roles in short- and long-term memory, motor control, and balance.
In addition, since many games are available online, playing games is a safe, enjoyable activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Below, we offer a number of in-person and online games for seniors.
Please note: When playing games online, never give out personal information even if it seems harmless at first.
How To Play Our Online Memory Matching Games
In this free games, the cards are arranged in columns and rows. You can change the number of cards on the board, and so the level of difficulty, thanks to the buttons located below the game.For teachers who want to play matching games with their students or for all those who want to play together and remotely via screen sharing, a new feature is now available for each game: you now have the possibility to display numbered cards.
The principle of the game is to find all the pairs by returning the cards 2 by 2. If the cards turned up are the same , it’s a match and you win the pair, otherwise, the cards are automatically turned face down and you have to make a new try.In the “SOLO” mode: The principle is to find all the pairs with the fewest possible moves and in a shortest time.In the “2 PLAYERS” mode: the player who found the most pairs wins.
Quickly understand how to play matching games with the Quick memory game rules here, you will find a step by step description with illustrations, or you can also
These matching games are compatible with all your devices: desktop, tablets and smartphones .The content and the game adjust automatically to your device, so do not hesitate to play on a tablet or a smartphone.
You May Like: How To Protect Yourself From Dementia
Talking Tom Cat 2 Is Fun For All
The app is fun and straightforward. There is a cat that you can talk to on your mobile screen.
As soon as you talk to it, it would respond, repeating it, but in its voice. The cats voice is so funny and hilarious that the sufferer is bound to laugh at some point.
The patient can stroke the glass and brush the cat. Every such move is welcomed by the cat when the touchscreen is stroked. The cat has various outfits, and the senior can dress them up with whatever appeals to him most.
The fun does not stop here, as you can play many mini-games with it. The success of the game or app is evident as the patient spends hours on end playing with his virtual pet. The objective is to relax the demented mind and see the funny side of things. This is a free game app.
Games For Those Living With Dementia
It has been said that keeping the brain stimulated through games can help slow the progression of dementia. There are certain board games targeted at those living with dementia.
Perhaps you might like to try the following games if your loved one receives a dementia diagnosis:
- Amazing Chase: this can be used in both early and late stage dementia
- this game is specifically aimed at understanding how your loved one thinks and to understand what they like and dont like
- Snakes and Ladders: perfect for mental stimulation
- Animal Snap: this card set is specially designed around cognitive stimulation therapy for those living with dementia
Recommended Reading: Down Syndrome And Alzheimer’s
Music Games To Stimulate The Memory
Music is one of the best ways of encouraging interaction in a group of people who suffer from dementia. It can be used for people with early stage dementia and less able persons in the advanced stage. People in general love to sing.
There are many ways to use music for stimulating a persons mind. Just a good old sing along to their favorite tunes or a simple name that tune theme is one easy way to use music to stimulate the minds of dementia sufferers.
Other ways could be a music quiz or even dancing statues. Simply asking the people in the group to freeze when the music stops. Or even encouraging them to pretend to play the instrument they can hear.
Some of the benefits of playing games
Using quizzes, puzzles and activity based games to stimulate the memory & stay active is important with people who suffer from dementia because
- It allows you as the carer to gain a better understanding of how well the person can remember things. This then allows you to adopt games and puzzles to match their ability.
- It stimulates the persons cognitive memory, giving them satisfaction, achievement and enjoyment.
If you have any other great ways you could use fun activities and games to help your brain then please let us know your thoughts below.
Playing Mobile Games Helps Improve Dementia
A lot of research has shown the positive impact video games has on cognitive functions in patients with dementia. Take the two examples mentioned at the beginning of the article, Game Show and Decoder. Researchers from Cambridge University concluded that Game Show players had significant improvements in episodic memory . Players were also able to remember more details regarding their daily routines and images.
The research recruited 75 healthy young adults into three groups. One game group played Decoder, one group played no games while the other group played Bingo. The results showed the group that spent eight hours a month on Decoder had significant improvements in terms of their attention and concentration, which is two times higher than the Bingo group. Results from the study were pleasantly surprising as improvement in the game playing group was comparable to effects from stimulants, such as nicotine, or methylphenidate .
Read Also: Is Vascular Dementia Caused By A Stroke
Free Brain Games To Help Keep Seniors Minds Sharp During Quarantine
As people age, its important to keep the body as healthy as possible by engaging in a reasonable amount of physical activity and exercise. But its equally important to exercise the mind according to the Mayo Clinic, staying mentally active can help prevent memory loss and dementia. This has never been more important as more people are using social distancing from the elderly and those most vulnerable amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Thankfully, games are one of many fun things to do at home and an effective way to improve memory and overall mental health. And thanks to the wonders of the internet, theres no need to take your aging parent or a loved one on a shopping spree in the overwhelming board game section of your nearest department store. Theres a wealth of free options online here are five of our recommendations.
Many Free Matching Games For Seniors On Memozor
We offer the seniors a wide range of free Matching games to ensure that everyone can find themes that please him, to match their tastes, according to his desires, according to his passions or based on his interests.
- For nature lovers, there are the Matching game with dog breeds, leaves of trees, flowers, birds, marine or tropical animals. There is even a game with very strange and rare animals. Tn some games, the name associated with the picture is written on the card, to learning while having fun!
- There are also Matching games with pairs of objects to find, such as the Matching game with vintage objects or board games objects.
- Another very interesting game for seniors is the faces memory game with a very large number of faces of different people.
Every time you start a new game, a random selection and a random positioning of the cards ensure you a different game than the previous one, so you can play again and again!On Memozor, all Matching games for seniors are free and unlimited, so you can play as many games as you want.
You May Like: Do Aluminum Cans Cause Alzheimer’s
Qwirkle Simple To Learn Strategic And Exciting To Play
Mix and match tiles with different shapes and colors, scoring points by completing or adding to lines of the same shapes or colors. Qwirkle can be enjoyed by all ages making it great fun to play with your friends or your grandkids! Become part of the community of more than four million people who have already purchased this game!
How To Engage In Activities For People With Dementia
Activities for people with dementia may need to be closely monitored to accommodate a waning attention span, higher frustration levels, and cognitive concerns. These tips should help:
- Demonstrate and participate. By showing the activities to the person with dementia, you can make it easier and more natural for them to participate.
- When youre providing instructions, focus on one easy step at a time. Make sure to provide loving guidance and dont expect strict adherence to the directions you provide.
- Encourage your person to express themselves. Encourage them to sing, converse, draw or write letters, even if the result is confusing for you. If it brings happiness, its worth the effort.
- Adjust your expectations. Being flexible and avoiding rigid expectations can help prevent frustration.
- Skip unnecessary corrections. When doing activities with people with dementia, its best to focus on the enjoyment theyre having and skip any critique that may come to mind.
- If you notice your loved one getting frustrated, end or modify the activity. You can always take a break and try again later.
- Enjoy the process. Keeping a positive demeanor can help the person with dementia engage better with you and the activity.
The best activities for dementia patients vary greatly based on their unique circumstances, likes, and the progression of their disease. We recommend that you try a variety of different activities to determine what they will enjoy the most.
Recommended Reading: How To Convince Dementia Patient To Shower
Old Maid Dont Become The Old Maid
A favourite with children, making it the perfect card game to play with your Grandkids, the aim is to discard your cards as quickly as possible, laying down pairs of matching cards until just one person is left holding a card the Old Maid! All you need is a standard deck of cards available for under $5!
Bake Their Favorite Dish Or Dessert
People with dementia commonly suffer from depression because they dont know what is going on around them, even forgetting that their loved ones are still there for them. Cooking or baking together can be one of the most therapeutic things to do together, plus allow you to make some old favorite recipes that theyll really enjoy. Or you can bake their favorite dessert or treat that they can smell and taste and have those memories rush back.
Also Check: How Quickly Does Dementia Come On
Mahjong A Great Brain Game For Older Adults Who Love Puzzles
A straightforward tile-matching game that has long been popular with the elderly in Asian countries, Mahjong is also a great way to socialize as you can play the table game version with multiple players. It is a fun game for people of all ages, but its especially popular with older adults who are looking for unique and challenging ways to keep their minds sharp, have fun, and be connected to a global culture. Beautifully crafted Mahjong sets start from under $25.
What Types Of Games Are Good For Seniors With Dementia
There are many types of games that are good for seniors with dementia. Some of the best include board games, card games, puzzles, and even video games.
Board games can be a fun way to keep seniors engaged. Card and video games can also be very entertaining for seniors with dementia while keeping them mentally stimulated.
For seniors who prefer solitary games, puzzles can be an excellent way for seniors to exercise their minds and hands.
Ill show you some specific examples for each type later in this article.
Read Also: What Happens To Brain In Alzheimer’s Disease
What Are The Best Brain Games For Seniors
Fortunately, keeping our brains healthy does not have to be boring, repetitive or time-consuming. In fact, one of the best ways to keep our minds in great shape at any age is with brain games like Sudoku, Mahjong and Chess. Here are 40 brain games that will keep you entertained whilst giving your brain a great workout!
Easy And Fun Party Games For The Elderly
Just because someone is elderly, does not mean they no longer enjoy celebrating. Some party games may become more challenging as we age, so its important to choose suitable games that match your loved ones mental and physical abilities. A popular and easy game to try at your next celebration is Partners in Pen.
Heres how to play Partners in Pen:
1. The game must be played in pairs
2. Player one requires a pen and paper
3. Player two will have a bag of objects
4. The player with the objects must choose one and describe it to the other player
5. The other person must then try and draw what is being described
6. The purpose of the game is for the player drawing to guess what item it is theyre drawing
7. You can make it a little more challenging by adding a timer
Recommended Reading: Does Medicaid Cover Dementia Care
Ticket To Ride Careful Balance Of Greed And Fear
Dreaming of long train rides or visiting cities across North America? Look no further! TIcket to Ride is a board game that requires tactical thinking whilst being forced to balance greed adding more cards to your hand, and fear losing a critical route to a competitor. Easy to learn and guaranteed to keep your brain engaged, purchase the original box set here.
Crossword Puzzles Build A Better Vocabulary While Having Fun
For those people who are not fond of math brain games, crossword puzzles are a great alternative. Crosswords are challenging but in our super stressed world, they are also a great way to relax. You can start a puzzle on Sunday and pick it up throughout the week, since there is no pressure to finish in one sitting. A long-term study by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that seniors who did crosswords four day a week had a 47 percent lower risk of dementia than those who only did them once a week. Play online with SixtyandMe or pick up a puzzle book on for under $10
You May Like: Is There Any Way To Slow Down Dementia
Watching Tv With The Family
Yesterday my husband took my youngest daughter to a ball game and I invited Mom out to eat junk food and watch home shows with me so fun!
I thought she would watch one or two and disappear back into her room like she usually does, but I actually had to kick her out when it was time for bed
Now, it was active watching, talking about what was going on, complaining about the commercials and being aware of what was on the screen instead of staring at my computer, but it was super fun to spend some quality time with Mom doing something we both enjoyed.