Good Games For Alzheimer’s Patients

October 3, 2022

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Meaningful Activities For Dementia Patients: 15 Ways To Keep Your Loved One Engaged

Dementia Activities: The claim to fame game

Are you searching for enjoyable, stimulating activities for your loved one who is suffering from dementia?

You want to do all you can to enhance their quality of life, bring them joy, and reduce harmful behaviors but where do you start?

If youre looking for ways to engage your loved one with dementia, youre in the right place.

Here, we will discuss a wide variety of therapeutic activities for dementia patients, so you can choose the activities that best meet your loved ones needs.

Exercise Is One Of The Best Activities For Alzheimers Patients

If your loved one is able to, help them get some daily exercise. Studies show aerobic exercise can slow the progress of the disease.

Aerobic exercise includes cycling and swimming. It can also be as simple as going for a brisk walk. Be sure to adjust the activity level to what your loved one can handle.

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Think back or ask relatives and friends about your loved ones passions and strengths. Then, encourage them to do similar things.

Try knitting or crochetPut a homemade quilt or skein of yarn in your aging relatives hands. Let them feel the weight of the quilt and the scratchiness of the yarn. They may still be able to crochet or knit a little bit, even if they have serious memory or cognitive deficits.

Experiment with soundsIf your relative with dementia was a musician or loved music, introduce simple instruments or sing-alongs. For seniors with mild cognitive decline, musical ability might outlast other memory functions. For those with more advanced impairment, nursery rhymes, maracas, and tambourines can still encourage creative expression.

Encourage visual expressionPainting and drawing are ways to express feelings safely and with creativity. Encourage using bold, bright colors on big surfaces. Rolls of butcher paper enable seniors with dementia to create without encountering the stress of defined spaces.

Create sensory experiences with tactile craftsWorking with slippery clay or malleable play-dough is a way for seniors with cognitive decline to benefit from tactile stimulation and creativity. Gewirtz suggests feeling a variety of objects with different shapes, sizes, and textures, as well as rubbing hands in lotion.

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Activities For Loved Ones With Dementia

Spending time with a loved one will not be the same after a dementia diagnosis. Teepa Snow, an occupational therapist and dementia care educator, told Being Patient: One of the hardest things to recognize is that we cant have what we used to have. We are going to have to be willing to let go to some extent. That doesnt mean give up on it, but we cant have it be the thing that guides. Trying to duplicate what we had before is going to result in a feeling of, This isnt right. This isnt enough.

Instead of staying attached to old patterns, explore new activities or new ways of doing old activities that can forge new ground in the relationship. Alzheimers is an individual process, and it takes time to figure out what works for your loved one. Depending on your circumstances, these activity ideas can be done at home, within a community, or with friends and family.

Keeping Your Dementia Loved One Amused

Okay, let’s call a spade a spade, sometimes we want our loved one to do something without us having to be involved. With that in mind, some of these ideas are do alone activities.

But honestly, most of these, at some level, will require you to participate even if your loved one is at the early stages of dementia.

I KNOW, you wish that you could plop them down and get a few minutes to do the dishes or take a long hot bath, but I have found that if I think of my Mother In Law as an adult sized kid, I do the best.

My kids will do some things by themselves, but it is MUCH more fun if I participate.

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How Stimulating Activities Impact People With Alzheimers

Keeping senior loved ones active in hobbies and interests that give them pleasure is important after a disease diagnosis.

Stimulating activities can help people with Alzheimers:

Encourage self-expression
Foster emotional connections with others
Lessen any anxiety and irritability that Alzheimers may bring
Make people with Alzheimers feel more engaged

As AARP.org describes, it is important to create meaningful activities for your parents and senior loved ones, not just ones that fill time. Consider interests they had in the past, knowing that some activities may need to be modified for practicality and safety. Keep in mind that Alzheimers affects behavior and senses in addition to memory. So, the activities that a person once enjoyed may become frustrating or overwhelming now.

Holistic Care For Seniors With Dementia

With Homages Dementia Care Programme, older adults can receive the help that they need at every stage through different pathways like companionship, games and activities, nursing care, and home therapy. Together with our Care Specialists, care plans will be specifically designed for your elderly loved one based on their health status, care needs and preferences, ensuring that they are paired with the most suitable nurse or caregiver.

If you or someone you know need support in caring for a loved one with dementia, we can help. Reach out to our Care Advisors at for a free care consultation.

Anna. . Risk to health. Retrieved November 10, 2020, from

Caring for Dementia Patients at Home in Singapore. . Retrieved November 10, 2020, from

Dartigues, J., Foubert-Samier, A., Le Goff, M., Viltard, M., Amieva, H., Orgogozo, J., . . . Helmer, C. . Playing board games, cognitive decline and dementia: A French population-based cohort study. Retrieved November 10, 2020, from

Deshmukh, S., Holmes, J., & Cardno, A. . Art therapy for people with dementia. Retrieved November 10, 2020, from

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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.

Are Puzzles Effective To Prevent Dementia

Purposeful activities for dementia: Alzheimer’s Australia VIC

Even though computer games have become more popular in recent years, elders prefer crossword puzzles and number puzzles. Do they, however, really help to prevent Alzheimers or dementia disease?

The 2011 Bronx Aging Study investigated brain health and cognitive decline, among other things. It followed 488 persons who were cognitively intact at the start of the trial for three years.

Throughout the trial, subjects got clinically and cognitively tested every 12-18 months.

Researchers discovered that late life crossword puzzle participation, regardless of education, was associated with delayed onset of memory deterioration in those who got dementia near the end of the trial.

Furthermore, Crossword puzzle involvement at baseline delayed the onset of accelerated memory deterioration by 2.54 years.

The thing is, not every puzzle is senior-friendly and beneficial, so we have to choose our puzzles wisely.

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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.

Creative Activities For Dementia Patients

#1: Paint

Creating art provides the opportunity for individual expression and may improve memory.

If youre worried that allowing a dementia patient to paint may be messy, you may be right. Try using butcher paper, so your loved one doesnt have to worry about making a mess and you dont have to worry about clean-up.

#2: Make a Memory Box

Assemble a box of items that are special to your loved one.

You can include things like:

Special mementos
Items that remind the patient of past professions, such as:
Paperclips, a calculator, and a notepad for a secretary
Bolts, sandpaper, and a piece of PVC pipe for a handyman

Items related to favorite hobbies

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Offer A Way To Connect Socially

While puzzles are normally a solo activity, they can have a social element as well. You might be able to work on a puzzle with your aging parent or talk to them about the picture.

Puzzles can even turn into a family night activity.

However, you need to be sure that the puzzle chosen matches the seniors ability, otherwise theyre likely to be quickly frustrated.

Holiday Party Background Music

Easy Brain Exercises for Adults: 100 Puzzles, Memory Games, and Other ...

If an individual with dementia is attending a Christmas party and you want to set the mood, but not let music necessarily be the main activity, heres a list of ideas for background music:

Here Comes Santa Claus by Gene Autry
White Christmas by Darlene Love
Little Saint Nick by Beach Boys
Frosty the Snowman by Jimmy Durante
Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms
We Need a Little Christmas by Angela Lansbury
Christmas by Darlene Love
Jingle Bell Rock by Brenda Lee
Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus by The Ronettes
Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Frank Sinatra
Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley
Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano
Its Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Johnny Mathis
All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey
Rockin Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee
The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole
Its the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams
Winter Wonderland by Louis Armstrong

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It Isnt Always Obvious How Best To Entertain A Loved One With Alzheimers Or Dementia Activities Like Chores Gardening And Reminiscing About The Past Can Help Keep People Busy And Be A Mood Booster Too

Dementia can be anxiety-provoking for both the people living with it and their loved ones and caretakers. People new to caregiving or to neurodegenerative diseases might be wondering: What do people with dementia enjoy? How do you spend time with someone with dementia? As Alzheimers progresses through the brain, it can affect the ability to speak, see, move around, remember things, and more, and that can feel limiting. But, there are a number of expert-vetted ways to entertain someone living with neurodegenerative disease activities that provide both a source of common ground and a sense of calm.

What activities are good for people with Alzheimers disease and dementia? The activities a person used to love might be too difficult or complicated, or maybe theyre not showing interest in things that once held their attention. How do you keep someone with Alzheimers busy? Finding the ideal activity might come from an unexpected source: For instance, Loretta Veneys mother, Doris, found solace in playing with LEGOs. Even when verbal communication was no longer possible, the LEGOs gave mother and daughter something to do together. They provided a sense of connection.

Give A Friend Or Family Member A Call

Loneliness and isolation are bad for the brain, but older adults with dementia may find it anxiety-inducing to interact socially in the same ways they used to. That doesnt mean they should give up on social interaction altogether. Instead, help them find ways to catch up and stay engaged that fit their comfort levels

It can be challenging to make social plans out of the house, whether its due to ones physical condition or to the pressures of the outside world like the COVID-19 pandemic. Luckily, modern technology offers many ways for people to stay connected to loved ones, and the benefits are research-backed. A recent study shows that utilizing digital programs like Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, and more to stay in touch can improve cognitive health and delay severe dementia symptoms.

Sarah Dulaney, a nurse coordinator at the University of California San Franciscos Care Ecosystem study, told Being Patient in an interview: Its important to try to help people with dementia participate as much as they can and also recognize when they need rest. We all know that feeling of Zoom fatigue, so make sure youre staying attuned to everyones comfort level.

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Creating A Memory Box

One of the games for dementia patients could be to create a memory box. They can put anything, from photos to newspaper cutting and anything absurd that may hold some significant value for them.

Memory boxes can help the patients feel connected to their past. Every person has a different story to tell and these memory boxes can be the start of some great storytelling, talking and celebrating the past and the old memories that they love.

Great Activities For Dementia Or Alzheimers Patients At Home

Top 4 Meaningful Activities for Dementia Patients (Activity Planning Made Easy)

Listen to music A universally soothing activity, listening to music from their past will help them remember the good times associated with the music. Not sure how music ties into memory? Just think do you remember how you learned the alphabet?

Play music Just because someone is a memory patient doesnt mean they need to surrender the things they love most. Playing a musical instrument or singing is a great activity for Alzheimers or dementia patients to stimulate a part of their memory in a laid-back way.

Do a puzzle Our caregivers often recommend putting together jigsaw puzzles as a way to reinforce problem-solving skills.

Crosswords If youre planning activities for dementia or Alzheimers patients, including a daily crossword puzzle can be a great addition to your routine. Crosswords are a low-stress workout for your memory and problem-solving skills.

Sudoku If your patient or loved one is more mathematically inclined, this popular puzzle might be perfect for them.

Reading stories Reading is light exercise for your brain and your imagination, so its a perfect activity for an Alzheimers or dementia patient to do at home. Fiction or non-fiction, short stories tend to be better than long books, and our caretakers often say that stories that relate to their past are a great way to use their long-term memory.

Watching movies Again, keeping the entertainment related to their past can be a great way to keep them engaged and remembering.

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Mind Games: Playing Games To Help Prevent Alzheimers

We all enjoy playing a good game, whether it is a card game, board game, or computer/video game. We enjoy the camaraderie, the challenge, and the thrill of winning. Game playing as one gets older, can offer benefits greater than these.

It can help to prevent Alzheimers.

Playing games on a regular basis has been shown to help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimers by almost 50 percent. For those who already have this condition game-playing can aid in slowing down the diseases progress.

Theres A Difference Between Reminiscing And Remembering

Reminiscing is not the same as asking someone to remember something from the past.

Remembering something specific, even from long ago, can be stressful for someone with dementia because theyre likely to feel pressured or put on the spot.

In contrast, when a pleasant memory floats up and they share it with you, theyll feel good.

For example, your older adult might not remember or know how to answer when you ask a simple question like Where did you grow up? That could make them feel embarrassed or angry.

But if youre looking through old photographs, they might spontaneously say Oh look, theres my house. My mom baked my favorite cookies every Saturday chocolate chip.

Sensory Activities For Dementia Patients

Provide sensory bean bags with different textures. Provide small bean bags made of different fabric textures: cotton, velvet and silk, and filled with different grains. – 15 Activities For Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease, Golden Carers Twitter: @GoldenCarers

Incorporate art and music in the daily routine whenever possible. Music and art therapy involve a creative process. Creativity resides in a part of the brain that is affected late in the progression of Alzheimers disease. Communication and learning are two functions that are usually lost early to Alzheimers. Art Therapyand Music Therapyallow those critical functions to be regained to a degree. Because the creative center of the brain works after others have been lost to the disease art including music can provide an alternative mode of communication, and even a new way to learn. Perhaps more important, music is fun! Art is fun! Include opportunities for creating art and music in the daily routine whenever you can. Susan Neville, Choosing Gifts for Alzheimers and Dementia, Silver Lexington Twitter: @SilverLexSenior

Try simple crafts. Try making bead necklaces or decorating a bird feeder producing items that give the person with dementia a sense of satisfaction and the chance to see it in use, gives the activity purpose. Kate Corr, Things to do: Activities for someone with dementia, Unforgettable Twitter: @Unforget_org

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