Game Recommendations For Dementia Patients

Games are a great way to foster relationships between dementia patients and caregivers as it is an activity that can be enjoyed together. The time spent together with a loved one strengthens bonds and can help a family member feel valued and engaged.

Depending on what stage of dementia a patient is at, keeping active (both physically and mentally) becomes more challenging as the condition progresses. This not only causes frustration for the caregiver but also the patient as their self-esteem may take a hit from not being able to go about the activities they previously were able to. 

Playing games, be it physical ones or mobile ones, are an avenue for dementia patients to regain their confidence, find purpose in something they undertake and be rewarded with a sense of accomplishment after tackling a puzzle or finishing a round of poker.

Before we delve into game recommendations, here are some types of games – some of which might be suited for dementia patients 

• Memory games: Games that encourages the player to recall past memories and experiences 
• Dexterity games: Games that encourage hand eye coordination  
• Language games: Games that engage the mind through word related activities 
• Attention games: Games that require one to focus and concentrate 

Games are a good way to stimulate the brain, enhance cognitive skills. There exists a variety of games for patients at different stages of dementia. Games have the potential to increase the brain’s gray matter volume and contribute towards preserving general cognition. 

Memory games

Card matching games or even games like Simon Says are known as simple memory games that require players to flip a card and then remember what the card is as they work towards an eventual goal of matching the cards that they have previously flipped open. 

These types of games are suitable for patients with mild dementia as it leverages more on the short term memory, keeping the brain’s gray matter active. 

Attention games

Not only do puzzles help stimulate the brain, but they also provide social interactions that can help patients and caregivers create positive emotional connections.

Jigsaw puzzles are not only a great social activity but are great in sharpening one’s analytical skills and attention to detail. Piecing together a jigsaw puzzle might require one to exercise their problem solving skills and this improves mental speed, improves short-term memory. Jigsaw puzzles are pretty suitable for patients at different stages of dementia, with the option to opt for lower difficulty puzzles if a loved one is struggling. 

Strategy games

Strategy games are games which require players to formulate their own strategy and try to win the game. Chess and bridge are 2 classic examples which necessitates the use of strategy play, planning and problem solving to win against an opponent. 

Language games

Word search puzzles are great in stimulating cognitive skills such as visual perceptions, pattern recognition and also enhances the vocabulary. While finding a word in a sea of other words, seniors are training not only their eyes but also their ability to identify patterns. This also hones one’s vocabulary and language skills.

Scrabble is a word-based game that requires players to use their creativity and come up with words from a few tiles that are accorded to each player, which can help dementia patients with their language skills and creative juices.

Social games

Social games such as Snakes and Ladder, bingo are more social in nature in that it keeps the players engaged as they take turns to roll and dice and progress their way up the board. There is hardly any need for critical thinking as every move in the game is based on the luck of the dice. Such games are ideal for patients who don’t want stressful games or games which need some level of critical thinking. This could be easy and light hearted games that families and friends can all engage in together. 

Things to note when organising games for seniors with dementia

Activities can be adjusted to accommodate various levels of abilities and whilst games can offer cognitive benefits, calming benefits, it is important that dementia patients feel comfortable when engaging in any activity.

Too challenging of a game might affect one’s confidence, games with time limits can put unnecessary pressure on another. Whilst providing dementia patients with an avenue for enjoyment, it is also important to ensure that the games are appropriate and cater to one’s interest and cognitive capabilities, leading a fulfilling and empowered life.