Brain Games for Dementia That Help Support Connection and Focus

Brain games for dementia can have a positive effect on the cognitive health and emotional well-being of seniors. With activities such as word puzzles, board games, and more, those with dementia can build routines around activities that strengthen their brains.

Psychiatry Online reports that approxtimately 22% of elderly Americans have some form of cognitive impairment. For seniors in Gilbert, AZ, loss of cognition can range from mild cognitive impairment to serious conditions, such as dementia.

In this article, we will explore some of the most effective games that increase cognitive wellness and help seniors have fun at the same time.

What Brain Games Are Good for Dementia Patients?

So, where do you begin with games that are optimal for battling dementia? It depends on whether you want a relaxing solo activity or something you can play with family and friends. Here are some of the best dementia-friendly games.

Word Puzzles

Word loss is one of the most common early signs of dementia; many patients report that they struggle to remember the correct word to describe an item or situation.

Word puzzles can help those with dementia retain their vocabulary and use context clues to solve puzzles involving words. Some of the most common word puzzles include:

• Crossword puzzles
• Word searches
• Decoding
• Hangman

Word puzzles are a fantastic solution for seniors who want entertainment on the go. Many supermarkets and convenience stores offer word search and crossword puzzle books. Numerous phone apps serve new puzzles every single day.

Matching and Memory Games

Matching games often involve flipping over a card or item, memorizing the symbol on the other side, and then remembering the exact location to match them later on. Matching games can range from easy, with just a few cards, to difficult, with several dozen.

Matching games tend to be more effective on a tablet or phone screen because there are constantly new puzzles available to challenge your brain. In addition, the app takes care of the shuffling for you, so you don't have to waste time laying out cards for your next round.

Charades

Charades is a great option for dementia patients because it involves all types of motion, activating several different parts of the brain. When trying to depict a clue, players will move their hands and bodies around and also have to remember exact words to inform team members if they are close to solving the clue.

Board Games

If you prefer to play games with friends, then board games present an exciting opportunity. Opt for classics such as Scrabble or Monopoly, or find newer board games that pique your interest. Challenge yourself by finding a new board game to play every few months, so you are constantly learning.

What Is the Number One Brain Exercise for Memory Improvement?

While there isn't a single solution that is better than others for brain engagement and cognitive wellness, taking care of your whole body can have a positive effect on your dementia symptoms.

Physical exercise boosts your mood, which can help your brain form vital neural connections that are more difficult to break as dementia progresses. Working out regularly will not only help you look and feel your best, but also keep your mind sharp.

Socialization is also incredibly important for emotional connection in aging. Sharing a meal or a cup of coffee with friends, or getting together for a game night, can stave off loneliness and maintain vital connections that slow down the progression of your dementia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Memory Care?

Although "assisted living" and "memory care" are often used interchangeably, the two have some key differences.

Residents in assisted living programs such as Pebble Ranch have complete autonomy to structure their days how they see fit. Staff are available to help with challenging tasks, such as bathing and toileting, but residents can participate in activities and move freely around the senior living community.

Memory care is for seniors who are in the later stages of dementia or other forms of cognitive decline. It often has stricter schedules and activities designed to keep residents safe and comfortable.

Seniors in the early stages of dementia can often find success in assisted living. Maintaining independence, as long as it is safe to do so, can help keep vital neural connections active, which may play a role in slowing the disease.

Can Brain Games for Dementia Benefit Everyone?

Absolutely. Brain games for dementia strengthen all areas of the brain, making them effective for a variety of ages and stages. It is always a good idea to keep yourself cognitively fit, even if you do not have a risk of developing dementia.

The number one benefit of dementia-friendly brain games is that they can be entertaining for the entire family. Whether playing a rousing game of charades or settling in for a quiet round of Scrabble, you can combine fun and cognitive fitness.

When Is the Best Time of Day for Dementia-Friendly Games?

It depends on your or your loved one's schedule. Although dementia patients commonly experience sundowning in the late afternoon and evening hours, some have different times of day when they are most cognitively sharp.

Attempting activities that challenge the brain at the wrong time can lead to irritability in dementia patients. They may feel frustrated or have worsening short-term memory.

Memory Support and More at Pebble Ranch Senior Living

For seniors with memory loss or other types of cognitive decline, brain games for dementia are essential for maintaining cognitive wellness and slowing down the effects of the disease. With this guide, you can determine which games and activities work best for your lifestyle.

At Pebble Ranch, our caring and dedicated staff members provide residents with attentive care in our assisted living program. With our exclusive programs such as Vibrant Life®, we focus on whole-body wellness, especially for seniors who need a bit of extra help with everyday tasks.

Are you ready to learn more about our beautiful community? Reach out to us today, or visit our campus in Gilbert, AZ, to see it for yourself. We can't wait to meet you!