When someone has dementia, they may have problems with memory, thinking, reasoning, or even language. Losing these skills can make it difficult for people with dementia to carry out their daily activities.
While there is no cure for dementia, some treatment options can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. For example, people often talk about the idea of using memory games for dementia that can stimulate the brain. But what does the research actually say about the role of brain-stimulating games in dementia?
In this article, we explore how brain games can help with cognitive functions and what the best games are to play.
Games are among the many activities that can keep the human mind busy and engaged. But more importantly, games can help keep our brains stimulated. This is extremely important for older adults, especially those at risk for dementia.
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So, what do these studies have to do with dementia brain games?
When someone has dementia, many of their cognitive abilities decline. These include some of the skills mentioned in these studies, such as memory and reasoning. And newer research has suggested that gaming may help improve these cognitive skills, especially in people with dementia.
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- Board games: These can help with cognitive functions such as memory, communication, and emotional regulation.
- Video games: Video games can be modified to directly target different cognitive skills, such as memory and reasoning.
- Virtual reality games: These can provide both cognitive and physical reinforcement, depending on the type of game.
According to the review, patients with early and mid-stage dementia were able to use serious games to improve a wide range of cognitive skills, including:
- short-term memory
- response time
- Troubleshooting
- logical reasoning
- communication
Despite a fair amount of supporting evidence for the role of games in dementia care, the literature is still relatively mixed. For example a lake
While there is some promise for the role of brain-stimulating games for dementia, more research is ultimately needed.
We’ve known for decades that games can be a great way to stimulate the brain. However, not all games are created equal when it comes to what skills they can train. So, here are some of the games that can support a wide range of cognitive skills, especially for people with dementia.
word puzzles
Word puzzles are a genre of games that focus specifically on language. Some games like Scrabble focus on letter and word arrangement while other games like crosswords focus on word recall. However, there is a wide variety of shapes word puzzles can take, such as the recently released Wordle.
With this in mind, consider trying some of these classic word puzzles:
- crosswords
- word searches
- anagrams
- cryptograms
- branded games like Scrabble and Mad Libs
jigsaw puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles are a type of puzzle game that is especially beneficial for memory and reasoning. Jigsaw puzzles can range from simple puzzles that are easy to put together to more complex puzzles that require much more hand-eye coordination and memory recall.
Because people with dementia often struggle with cognitive skills, such as memory recall and reasoning, jigsaw puzzles can be an easy way to support these skills. And the best thing about these puzzles is that there is something for everyone, from simple cardboard puzzles to three-dimensional puzzle sculptures and much more.
dice games
There is a central element of luck in many dice games. Most rely on a random roll of the dice. This makes games like Yahtzee and Bar Dice extra fun and competitive.
Here are some brain-simulating dice games to add to your repertoire:
- Backgammon
- kismet
- Liar’s dice
- Close the box
- Yahtzee
card games
Card games rely on different types of playing cards to play. Card games can use a standard deck, such as Rummy, or cards specific to the game, such as Uno.
Card games are great for practicing skills such as reasoning, problem solving, memory and concentration—the same skills that often deteriorate in people with dementia.
With a wide variety of card games on the market, it can be difficult to figure out where to start, so here are a few to get you started:
- matching games, such as Go Fish
- trick-taking games, like Bridge
- specific games, such as Uno
- Solitaire Variations
- collectible games, such as the Pokémon Trading Card Game
Board games
Board games are a genre of games that use a ready-made board along with pieces that are moved or placed on the board. Most board games, especially newer ones, also use cards, dice, and other elements.
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Given the impact board games can have on cognitive health, here are a few suggestions to add to your collection:
- monopoly
- Trivial Chase
- Ticket to drive
- Skull
- To play chess
video games
Video games encompass a wide variety of electronic games, from traditional desktop computer games to games on newer systems such as the Wii and Switch. And let’s not forget about mobile phone and tablet games, which are growing in popularity especially among older adults.
If you’ve never played video games before but are considering giving them a try, here are some great options to start with:
- TETRIS on every platform
- Candy Crush Saga, online or on mobile
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons on Nintendo Switch
- Wii Sports on the Nintendo Wii (it’s great for sports too)
- any mobile or app version of the classics, such as word games, puzzles, card or dice games, and board games
Games are not the only activities that can support cognitive function in people with dementia. According to the experts at Dementia Australia, other activities that may be helpful include:
- Reading: Reading is a wonderfully enriching activity that doesn’t just involve books. You can also read poetry, magazines, newspapers, comics and other print or online content.
- entertainment: Watching television programs or listening to radio programs are great examples of how modern entertainment can help keep the brain engaged.
- art: Art comes in many forms, such as painting, drawing and playing musical instruments. Any form of art is beneficial for people with dementia.
- Learning: Learning new things, whether through a classroom, YouTube videos, podcasts, or other media, is a great way to strengthen cognitive skills in old age.
Some people with severe dementia may have trouble doing even simple tasks, so some of the activities listed above may be difficult for them. If so, consider sticking to simpler activities such as chatting and reminiscing, looking through photos, and listening to music.
Should you play games alone or with someone else, or does it matter?
While the study doesn’t say whether single or multi-person games are better for dementia, we do know that different types of games provide different cognitive benefits.
Crossword puzzles, for example, are generally played alone and can be great for language and attention. But board games can also enhance these skills, and playing with others improves socialization and communication skills.
Can brain games prevent or delay dementia if you start early in life?
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), nothing has been scientifically proven to prevent or treat dementia. However, there are certain lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk. This includes staying cognitively active and socializing with family and friends, both of which brain games can help you.
Who is most at risk for dementia and is there anything that can prevent this condition?
Science shows that the biggest risk factors for dementia are two things we have no control over: our age and our genetics. Aging is the biggest risk factor for developing dementia, and that risk doubles every 5 years from about age 70.
While certain lifestyle changes can to reduce your risk of dementia, there is no proven way to completely prevent it.
Are there any medical treatments that can cure dementia once it develops?
According to the National Health Service (NHS), there is no cure for dementia. But certain medications, cognitive treatments (such as cognitive stimulation therapy), and other lifestyle therapies can help manage some symptoms and possibly slow the progression of the disease in certain people.
Dementia roughly affects
Research suggests that brain-stimulating games and other activities may improve cognitive functioning in older adults and potentially reduce the risk of developing dementia.
But the exact role of brain games in dementia prevention and treatment is unknown, and more research is needed to determine how helpful these games might be.
But even if we’re not sure whether games can help with dementia, we do know one thing: they’re a fun way to keep the brain engaged, active, and entertained. each age.
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