Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that causes a continuous decline in cognitive functions. As a result, people with Alzheimer’s have trouble with memory, thinking, and behavioral skills.
The good news is that there is growing evidence of a link between mental activities and a slow decline in cognitive abilities. So brain games are a great way to keep the mind active to keep it working better for longer.
Besides, games are fun and let you connect with your loved ones. If the brain benefits in the process, even better.
Keep scrolling to find games that can help people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Effects of Brain Games On People with Alzheimer’s
Can brain games help your brain stay healthy and prevent memory loss or delay dementia?
There’s still much research to be done in the area, but games that challenge the brain help you stay mentally active.
Brain games that keep the mind active can affect senior health, decreasing the chances of cognitive decline, or at the very least the pace of it. Some brain training games may also help slow down memory loss and other mental issues.
Experts argue that the games are not Alzheimer’s treatment as they don’t do much to prevent the damaging effects of the condition on the brain. However, one study shows that cognitive activities that stimulate the mind may delay dementia.
Hence, people who participate in cognitive activities to keep the mind active may face a shorter part of their lives in a state of mental decline.
Brain Exercises for Alzheimer’s
Senior people who engage in the number of mentally stimulating activities have a decreased risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A Neurology study shows that activities such as playing games, doing art, and social engagement lower the risk of MCI which is often an early symptom of dementia.
To engage your brain, you can start with simple activities such as learning to play an instrument or a new language. Solving crossword puzzles and playing board games with your loved ones can also stimulate the brain as well as allow you to bond with them.
You can even plan a weekly card game with your friends and turn it into a healthy habit. These activities will not only create a healthy routine but also increase social interaction.
You can find dozens of memory games online that are particularly useful in Alzheimer’s treatment. Of course, the extent to which these activities will affect a person will vary, but the main idea is to keep the brain active.
Brain Games For People with Alzheimer’s
There is a range of games from Sudoku to online brain training apps that can improve mental functioning in people of all ages. Whichever game you pick, it’s important to have a good time playing, so it doesn’t feel like a burden.
Some games might get boring when you play them frequently. So try out new ones or more challenging versions of a game you like to keep the brain working.
Here are five brain games for adults that can be effective for dementia, especially Alzheimer’s treatment.
Crossword Puzzles
Crosswords are the most popular brain trainers that stimulate memory from different branches of knowledge. It also builds the vocabulary and triggers memories which can reinforce connections among brain cells.
You can solve crossword puzzles both online and offline. Try out a crossword puzzle online or search the daily newspaper. You can also pick up crossword books that are designed for different interests and skill levels.
Sudoku
Sudoku is a number game that boosts short-term memory. The puzzle is completed by filling the empty cells in a grid with single-digit numbers (1 to 9) and following trails of consequences. The player eventually fills up rows, columns, and regions to complete the puzzle without repeating any number.
The sudoku puzzle requires the use of logic and memory, which helps to improve short-term memory and concentration. Even though it’s a number game, there are no calculations involved.
You can play Sudoku online or on paper and choose the difficulty level according to your skills. We recommend you start with the easiest level and play your way toward harder ones.
Jigsaw Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles are super fun (there’s no doubt about that), but they also serve as a mental workout. These puzzles improve mental speed, memory, and attention span. They also develop problem-solving skills that can help people with Alzheimer’s to function better in daily life.
In addition, when you are solving a puzzle, you look at the pieces and find their place in the bigger picture. This improves visuospatial reasoning, which is the ability to recognize visual and spatial relationships among objects.
So a jigsaw puzzle is a great way to keep the brain active and spend some relaxing time with your friends or family.
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Scrabble
Scrabble is a classic brain game that requires players to create new words and place them on the letter tiles to fill up the grid. It’s very similar to a crossword puzzle as you have to connect every new word to a previous one on the board.
This game requires thinking, planning, and logic to place new words on the board. It is also a great way to expand your vocabulary and socialize with your grandkids.
You can play scrabble online, on an app, or get a scrabble board for a more interactive game.
Trivia
Trivia is one of the many brain games for adults with questions from different branches of knowledge. It stirs the memory and gives older people a chance to recall and discuss the past with their loved ones.
Since people with dementia retain long-term memory, this is a good option for Alzheimer’s treatment. If you are someone close to the person suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s, you can design a quick trivia for your loved one.
Add some general questions, such as “Which film won the Oscar for Best Picture in 1960?”, and mix in a few personal questions about their past.
The Takeaway
Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia that causes a decline in cognitive abilities. However, you can help yourself or your loved one fight the disease through regular brain activity.
Brain games are a great way to stay mentally active and improve mental health. They also allow older people to bond with their friends and family to live a full life.
