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What are some fun activities, devices, toys, multimedia, games, etc. suitable for a 66 year-old suffering from dementia?
Hello! Thank you for your question about games and activities for someone suffering from dementia. The short answer is that games that provide sensory stimulation or trigger fond memories are the most recommended by scientists and the Alzheimer's Association.
Below I have compiled a list of activities and games for you to consider with an explanation as to why I chose them, organized by type.
OVERVIEW
The activities suggested by experts all revolve around the main idea of stimulating fond memories, emotional connections, and self-expression with the game. This helps the person remain connected with family and themselves, though it should be cautioned to expect that a person's former hobbies might not be completed as well as they did previously, causing frustration. As such, the activity should be broken down or modified to fit current needs. Their progress, as well as the end result, should be praised, and the participant should always be consulted for how to tailor games to be more effective for the individual. The main recommendation is that the activity be "success oriented, failure free, purposeful, and meaningful."
BOARD/CARD GAMES
The research into dementia and Alzheimer's games shows that the most effective are ones who offer "sensory stimulation" but do not have too many pieces, or ones that are too small and easy to swallow.
Puzzles are a popular activity. Look for ones with bright colors, a limited number of pieces, and nature or familiar scenes. This link has a collection of puzzles specifically for dementia patients. This dog puzzle, for example, has top reviews, and has 13 pieces, and this one on Amazon offers the vivid colors for sensory stimulation.
Card games such as MatchMate and What's Mis_ing? "engage the players’ emotional and recollection memory as well as their problem-solving skills" with Norman Rockwell pictures on the back of cards. These games can also encourage socialization and trigger fond memories of childhood games.
Word searches and games like TRIO or Qwirkle combine strategy, touching pieces, and bright colors with memory games. These games do not feel childish, an important distinction for dementia patients. Qwirkle works well for people interested in shapes and color design. Word searches are simplified versions of games people play in newspapers everyday, and allow for the continuation of favorite pastimes. Similarly, Bingo has been found to be a popular and stimulating game for people who have known it all their lives. In a scientific study, Bingo was shown to help players perform better on memory tests and increase awareness.
COMPUTER GAMES
There are a plethora of apps and computer games, such as Luminosity, that aim to keep the brain healthy, and there is an emerging market for computer games that help patients with dementia. Here is a collection of computer games and iPad applications that have top reviews, and have been recommended by dementia care workers.
Smartbrain: This computer game has been developed with help from researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, and can be played on a computer or tablet. It has "34,000 activities with 15 levels of difficulty", and has scientific data backing up its efficacy to help cognition.
Brain Game: This game was developed by Nintendo and was originally intended to help prevent dementia. It has concentration games, matching activities, and simple number puzzles. It has shown to be "effective therapy for people with dementia".
CleverMind: This app is a collection of tools with simple games, large buttons, and voice recognition to make searching the web and connecting with family easier.
FlowerGarden: This app has thousands of reviews, 4 stars on GooglePlay, and is an interactive, simple gardening experience with bright colors and soothing sounds.
GreyMatters: Reaching Beyond Dementia: Instead of matching games or quizzes, this app seeks to expand memory and personal connections with creating a personal storybook for the user. You can share and create new memories with the app. It has top reviews in the Apple Store.
PocketPond2: For a soothing koi pond at your fingertips, this apps let the user feed the fish, design lily pads, and catch the koi. It has been a favorite at multiple memory care facilities.
LIFE ACTIVITIES:
The Alzheimer's Association suggests that daily life skills be continued to maintain a connection between the patient and their environment. These activities also improve self-confidence and can trigger memories.
Cooking simple things can improve coordination and encourage exercise about the kitchen. Suggestions include making box mashed potatoes or homemade lemonade. These activities can also be fun with loved ones around.
Gardening is a highly recommended activity. Going outdoors can help the patient stay connected to the world. Weeding and planting flowers also give a tangible sense of accomplishment.
Reading aloud from favorite books and scrap booking are activities that can be done with loved ones, and also encourage reminiscing to improve memory.
Socialization is also recommended by the Alzheimer's Association. Two fun activities this could include are memory cafes that are found across the country, and dementia singing groups. A list of memory cafes in the USA can be found here, the UK here. Singing groups, such as Singing for the Brain, have been shown to improve quality of life, and memory of songs often bring about other reminiscences, good feelings, and memories untouched by dementia.
TACTILE ACTIVITIES:
To gain a full sensory experience, these technological devices and games are recommended.
Therapy cat robots: These robotic cats have been shown to soothe patients with dementia who often experience agitation and unease. They cost around $99, and there is a lot of anecdotal evidence supporting their use, especially with patients who are pet lovers.
Twiddle Muff: This odd sounding toy increases tactile sensory stimulation while providing comfort. It provides "endless entertainment for restless hands" and has top reviews. It was designed specifically for dementia patients.
Touchy Feely and Super Smells are fun games that engage the touch and smell senses. They help exercise the memory, and allow for sensory stimulation to improve cognitive functions. They are easily put together with household items.
CONCLUSIONS
Scientific studies have "suggested that cognitive stimulation has a beneficial effect on the memory and thinking test scores of people with dementia" through the use of games and activities like baking. The combination of touch, color, or smell often engage people with dementia the most. Singing old favorites, reading well loved novels, baking old recipes, or scrap booking have also been shown to be enjoyable, helpful activities to encourage remembering fond times and connecting with loved ones.
Thank you for using Wonder! Please let us know if you have any further research needs.