According to a study published in Neurology in August 2019, researchers have observed a possible positive correlation between playing games and a lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment, which is often a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease in seniors. Games can improve our loved ones’ memory and boost their mental health. Try these five fun brain activities for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease now!
Scrabble
Scrabble is a classic game of placing letter tiles on a grid to create words. You create new words by adding letter tiles and connecting them to words that have already been constructed by other players. To score more points, our loved ones have to exercise their strategic thinking skills as they have to decide on the best position to put each letter tile on the board. Scrabble can expand our loved ones’ vocabulary and is the go-to game for wordsmiths.
Jigsaw Puzzles
Visuospatial function is the cognitive processes needed to integrate spatial relations and understand visual form in multiple dimensions. Jigsaw puzzles target the improvement of visuospatial function in seniors by engaging both sides of the brain. They also promote creativity and logical reasoning. When our loved ones work together with others to solve the puzzles, it can be a fun and relaxing time for them.
Sudoku
Sudoku features a 9×9 grid with some prefilled numbers, and the puzzle is solved by filling in each empty box with a number that is not repeated in every row and column. Logical reasoning and memory work is needed, and hence, our loved ones will find this activity mentally stimulating. The widespread availability of Sudoku puzzles in newspapers or online makes this game easy to access on a daily basis, which is a great way to incorporate brain exercises into your loved one’s daily routine.
Trivia Quizzes
Exciting topics like current affairs, cultural icons, film, and media are excellent conversation starters. Imagine how much fun our loved ones will have when these topics are made into trivia quizzes! A strong sense of belonging can be fostered over the bonding of shared trivia knowledge, especially when our loved ones play with friends from a similar generation. Trivia quizzes are also a great place for seniors to start exchanging life stories with one other, providing opportunities for socialization.
Chess
Chess is another all-time favorite brain game that encourages the use of strategic thinking skills. From opening moves to attacking and defending, playing chess can improve our loved ones’ focus, increase patience, and boost their intelligence levels. Seniors can also develop pattern recognition and analytical skills as the aim of the game is to make purposeful moves to checkmate the opponent’s king. Chess can improve one’s memory and this can help improve the brain health of seniors with Alzheimer’s disease.
SHINE® Memory Care Program at Discovery Village At Sugarloaf
Here at Discovery Village At Sugarloaf, your loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease are in good hands. Our SHINE® Memory Care program is nationally recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association® and is specially designed to enrich the lives of every resident who requires memory care. Our caregivers and nurses have gone through extensive training and are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to your loved ones. To learn more about our senior living programs in Suwanee, GA, contact us today.
