By 2060, it’s expected that the number of people with Alzheimer’s Disease will more than double. This makes early diagnosis and a proper care plan important steps for the future of our loved ones.
Alzheimer’s is a disease that gets marked by a state of confusion and memory loss. It can leave a patient feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed.
Enjoyable games can help counteract this by bringing entertainment back into their lives. As they work to stimulate the mind and boost cognitive functioning. They also provide an opportunity for engagement, allowing you to reconnect.
Take a look at the most fun and stimulating games for Alzheimer’s patients.
1. Sodoku
This popular game gets recommended by the Alzheimer’s Association. As it may help to lower the risk of dementia. Sodoku offers a way to exercise the mind, using the challenge of logic and numbers.
Sudoku puzzles work by using a number system of 1-9 to fill in a structured grid. But the trick is that you are not allowed to repeat any of these numbers, once used. It’s one of the games for Alzheimer’s that help to sharpen focus and problem-solving skills.
2. Set up an Indoor Golf Game
Indoor golf games make for fun activities for Alzheimer’s patients at home. The best part is that it’s easy to make a golf game yourself.
Do this by using a sheet of artificial grass or green felt fabric. Then cut a hole at one end of the mat for the ball to fall into.
If they are able, the patient can stand up to play. Or let them sit in a chair to make it more comfortable to hold and swing the putter.
There are many health benefits of golf that work well for those suffering from dementia. As golf is good for lowering stress levels and promoting brain health.
Alzheimer’s patients often become confused and overwhelmed, which can cause depression. Playing golf can help bring happiness back into their lives. Here are a few more ideas to help ease depression.
3. Exercise the Brain with Clevermind
Clevermind is a digital game designed for those suffering from Alzheimer’s. The app is full of fun games and trivia to help exercise their brains.
The interface also has voice-activated controls. So the patient can communicate by voice to find their way around the app. It’s also easy for patients to navigate and play on an iPad.
Clevermind even includes features like a personal journal and tips on healthy eating. It also has social networking for patients to engage online with friends and family.
Innovative technology has a positive impact on the livelihood of seniors. It allows them to remain connected and also produces new safety features in room design.
4. Put a Puzzle Together
Puzzles are great activities to keep Alzheimer’s patients busy and content. They offer an opportunity to hone problem-solving skills and use both sides of the brain. As well as let you sit together with the patient and enjoy each other’s company.
Puzzles use shapes and colors to put the big picture together. Finding pieces that fit can help to stimulate pleasure centers of the brain. This can increase dopamine production and help ward off depression.
You may even want to consider a custom-designed puzzle. This can include a family picture or favored pet as the puzzle background. It may end up helping to stir the patient’s memory or evoke positive feelings.
5. Play a Game of Go Fish
Games like Go Fish are fun things to do with Alzheimer’s patients as they bring back a sense of nostalgia. It’s a great game for two people or more. The card game can help you to reconnect and boost engagement in the patient.
Go Fish helps patients to make decisions and use their memory. It also causes the patient to focus on their deck. As they search for the correct card and work to memorize your own hand.
Go Fish can get played with a standard deck of playing cards. Or special cards with fun and colorful fish on them. It also helps to get a playing card deck with larger print for seniors.
6. Host a Sing-a-Long
The power of music can be a helpful tool in boosting memory and positive emotions. Choose a music selection that is from the patient’s era. This will help to trigger memories and promote a happy mood.
Encourage the patient to sing along or dance. They may also want to tap their feet, clap their hands, or hum along. Playing the piano or a favorite musical can also be enjoyable and rewarding for the patient.
7. Start a Jewelry Making Class
Arts and crafts are a great hands-on activity and a way for the patient to get creative. Use thread or yarn for the patient to make necklaces or bracelets. They can then string on colorful beads or noodles.
Engaging in art is a form of therapy for patients. It reduces stress, offers a happy distraction, and promotes self-esteem. Pottery and painting are other art-related activities that can appeal to a patient.
8. Create a Crossword Puzzle
Crosswords are a fun and easy way to pass the time. They also boost language skills and help work a patient’s memory.
You can find these online or in newspapers and magazines. Or you can even make your own crossword puzzles tailored to the patient. This way you can choose words that may jog their memory or evoke happy thoughts.
These activities promote brain health and enhance the livelihood of the patient. This makes games for Alzheimer’s patients an important part of memory-focused living programs. Read more here on other important features to look for in a community care facility.
Reconnection and Reward: The Best Games for Alzheimer’s Patients
These games for Alzheimer’s patients offer enjoyment and a better sense of wellbeing. They provide a chance to reconnect and boost cognitive thinking. Some games may even be able to stir up positive memories.
Playing games can also help lower depression and stress. This allows the patient to feel more fulfilled in their daily routine.
This makes stimulating games an important part of a patient’s living program. As these activities work to help sharpen the mind during all stages of the disease. Here are a few more ways to improve brain health for your loved one.
