Engaging in activities such as word games, puzzles, or card games can stimulate the growth of brain neurons, ultimately slowing the decline of cognitive function and memory associated with dementia.
Dementia is a condition that results in a gradual decline in a person’s cognitive abilities, which are essential for daily functioning. Individuals with dementia may experience difficulties with memory, thinking, reasoning, and communication, making it challenging for them to carry out everyday tasks.
Although there is currently no cure for dementia, there are treatment options available that can help alleviate symptoms and enhance quality of life. One such option is the use of memory games designed to stimulate the brain and improve cognitive function.
In this article, we delve into research surrounding the effectiveness of brain games in enhancing thinking abilities in individuals with dementia. We also highlight some of the best brain-stimulating games that can be beneficial for those experiencing cognitive decline.
How might participating in mental exercise assist individuals living with dementia?
Games are a valuable tool for keeping the human mind entertained and engaged, but they also play a crucial role in stimulating our brains. This is particularly important for older adults, especially those who are at risk of developing dementia.
For instance, a study conducted in 2019 involving older adults examined the impact of 16 weeks of combined physical and cognitive “exergame” training. The results of the study revealed significant improvements in working memory and executive function.
Similarly, another study from 2019 investigated the effects of computerized cognitive training, focusing on areas such as reasoning, memory, language, and attention, on the progression of mild cognitive impairment. The findings indicated that this type of training led to an increase in the brain’s gray matter volume and may help in preserving overall cognition.
These findings are particularly relevant in the context of dementia, where cognitive skills tend to decline. Skills such as memory and reasoning, which were shown to improve through gaming in the aforementioned studies, are crucial in dementia care. Recent research has also suggested that gaming can be beneficial in enhancing cognitive skills, especially in individuals with dementia.
A review conducted in 2020 delved into the role of serious games in dementia care, exploring three different types of games and their respective benefits:
- Board games have been shown to enhance cognitive functions such as memory, communication, and emotional regulation.
- Video games can be tailored to target specific cognitive abilities, like memory and reasoning.
- Virtual reality games offer both cognitive and physical benefits, depending on the game.
Research indicates that early and middle-stage dementia patients who engage in serious games can improve various cognitive skills, including:
- short-term memory
- reaction time
- problem-solving
- logical reasoning
However, the literature on the effectiveness of games in dementia care is somewhat mixed. A recent analysis of brain games and cognitive impairment found that they were not significantly more effective than control interventions in improving thinking ability.
While there is potential in using brain-stimulating games for dementia treatment, further research is necessary to fully understand their impact.
What are the most effective games for engaging those with dementia?
For decades, it has been widely recognized that games have the ability to effectively stimulate the brain. However, not all games are equally effective in training specific skills.
Therefore, it is important to identify games that can support a wide range of cognitive skills, particularly for individuals with dementia. Here are some games that have shown promise in this regard:
- Word puzzles, such as crosswords, word searches, and anagrams, have been shown in previous studies to potentially delay memory loss in early dementia by strengthening neural pathways in the brain that aid in retaining knowledge.
- Engaging in jigsaw puzzles over a long period of time may also have a positive impact on cognition, potentially slowing the effects of aging or dementia on the brain.
- Dice games like Yahtzee and Bar Dice add an element of luck and competitiveness to gameplay. A recent study on the Chinese game Mahjong discovered that playing it for 12 weeks could benefit older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
- Popular card games like Go Fish, Bridge, Uno, and Solitaire have been linked to improved cognitive function in older adults, according to a study from China.
- Board games such as Monopoly and Chess utilize a pre-made board and pieces, often incorporating cards and dice. Research has shown that playing these games can help reduce cognitive decline in individuals aged 70 to 79.
- Video games, available in various formats including computer, handheld, and mobile, have been found to improve cognitive function in older adults. Brain training games like TETRIS, Candy Crush Saga, Wii Sports, and mobile versions of word puzzles, cards, and board games are examples of games that can be beneficial.
Looking for some free games to play on your cellphone?
Whether you’re a casual card gamer or a board game buff, everyone can appreciate a little freebie. Here are some of our favorite games that you can try out today:
- Blackbox – Brain Puzzles for iPhone
- Scrabble GO for iPhone and Android
- Words with Friends for iPhone and Android
- Wordle on the New York Times (nytimes.com website
- Candy Crush Saga for iPhone and Android
- Cookie Run: Kingdom for iPhone and Android
These games offer a variety of challenges and entertainment, perfect for passing the time or challenging your brain. Give them a try and see which one becomes your new favorite!
What alternative activities can support individuals with dementia?
Engaging in various activities can be beneficial in supporting cognitive function in individuals with dementia. While games are commonly associated with cognitive stimulation, there are other activities recommended by the Alzheimer’s Association that can also be helpful:
- Reading: Reading is a versatile activity that goes beyond just books. It includes reading poetry, magazines, newspapers, comics, and other printed or online content.
- Entertainment: Watching television shows or listening to radio programs are examples of how modern entertainment can keep the brain active.
- Arts: Engaging in art forms like painting, drawing, or playing musical instruments can be beneficial for individuals with dementia.
- Learning: Learning new things through classes, YouTube videos, podcasts, or other mediums can help reinforce cognitive skills in older individuals.
It is important to note that individuals with severe dementia may struggle with simple tasks, making some of the activities mentioned above challenging for them. In such cases, simpler activities like chatting, reminiscing, looking through pictures, and listening to music may be more suitable.
What are the five things you should never say to a person with dementia?
Although you cannot change your loved one’s memory loss, you can control how you react to it. Individuals with dementia are dealing with a challenging condition that requires empathy and support. Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from:
- Trying to reason with them
- Arguing or confronting them
- Reminding them of their forgetfulness
- Questioning their recent memory
- Taking their behavior personally
It is important to approach individuals with dementia with patience, understanding, and compassion. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can create a more positive and supportive environment for your loved one.
What is the primary trigger for dementia-related behaviors?
Numerous factors can contribute to the manifestation of dementia symptoms such as agitation or paranoia, making it difficult to pinpoint a single trigger. Typically, these behaviors are linked to changes in the individual’s immediate surroundings.
Dementia impacts approximately 5 million adults aged 65 and older in the United States alone, with future projections indicating a significant increase in the coming decades.
Research indicates that engaging in brain-stimulating games and other activities may enhance cognitive function in older adults and potentially lower the risk of developing dementia. However, the precise role of brain games in dementia prevention and treatment remains unclear, necessitating further research to determine their efficacy.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the benefits of games in relation to dementia, one thing is certain: they provide an enjoyable method of keeping the brain active, engaged, and entertained at any stage of life.