Brain Games for Dementia

Elderly Care in Vienna VA: Brain Games for Dementia

Research has shown a connection between mental activity and a decreased risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia. In fact, connections have been found between having a lower level of education and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s. Scientists believe that remaining mentally active helps maintain the connections between brain cells, keeping the brain healthy—it may even help build new brain cells. Helping your parent to stay mentally active will not only reduce the risks of Alzheimer’s and dementia, but it could also improve your parent’s quality of life by relieving boredom. One of the ways your parent can stay mentally active is by playing brain games. Below are some brain games and mentally stimulating activities you or your parent’s elderly care provider can encourage your parent to try.

Online Brain Games

There are several companies that offer online brain games. While there is little evidence that those games can make a person smarter, as some originally claimed to do, they do provide mental stimulation that could help stave off dementia and Alzheimer’s. Some online brain games include Lumosity, Dakim, Clevermind, and Eidetic. Your parent may enjoy the fun, video game aspect of these games. These types of games are great because they can be done by almost anyone, even those with serious physical limitations as long as they can use at least one hand. People who are bedridden or wheelchair bound can play these games on a handheld device, such as a tablet or smart phone. If holding a tablet is difficult for your parent, they can be supported using a pillow or a lap desk designed to hold a phone or tablet.

Word and Number Puzzles

Word and number puzzles, like crosswords and Sudoku, are fun ways to keep the brain moving. Puzzle books are available at the local grocery store, bookstore, or nearly anywhere else that sells books or magazines. One of the nice things about these types of puzzles is that they can be done alone, but they are also fun to do with someone else. Your parent may enjoy working through a crossword puzzle with their elderly care provider.

Board Games

Playing board games not only keeps the brain active, it’s also a great way to spend time with other people, like grandchildren. There are thousands of games on the market, so you’re sure to be able to find some that appeal to both your parent and the people they play with. Games that require strategy may be especially helpful for the brain since they require more thinking than games of chance.

Card Games

If your parent enjoys playing cards, doing so can be great for the brain. Also, since cards are a social activity, your parent gets the extra benefit of spending time with friends. Consider helping your parent to start a card club where members take turns hosting a card party at their home. Your parent’s elderly care provider can help them to set up for the party when it is their turn. The local senior center may also have card clubs or may be able to help your parent make connections with other seniors who enjoy playing cards.

Remaining mentally active is not only beneficial for reducing risks for dementia and Alzheimer’s, but some of the suggestions above can also help our parent to remain socially engaged. Having fun playing games with others could improve your parent’s quality of life and give them something to look forward to.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Vienna, VA, call the caring staff at Medical Professionals On Call today. 703-273-8818

Sources

http://www.alz.org/we_can_help_stay_mentally_active.asp

http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/preventing-dementia-brain-exercises#1

http://www.alzheimers.net/11-5-14-brain-training-games/

15 Best Brain Exercises to Prevent Alzheimer’s and Dementia

• Author
• Recent Posts

Michelle DeFilippis

I graduated with a BS degree and had been selling medical equipment to hospitals, clinics and technicians. More recently, a family member was diagnosed with dementia and we, as a family, realized we were not prepared t care for her. We were thrown into that whirlpool of hospital stays, 24/7 live-in care, skilled care, caring for mom ourselves and finally, now daily home care. This was such a stressful time that I started thinking there had to be other people, other families as overwhelmed and unprepared as we were.

Medical Professionals On Call has such a caring, professional staff who are available to step in with whatever level of care necessary for loved ones and to relieve you of that stress.

Latest posts by Michelle DeFilippis (see all)

• Do Your Parents Face More Challenges When They Live in a Rural Community? - November 6, 2019
• Ways to Ease Arthritis Symptoms in the Elderly - October 24, 2019
• Tips for a Better Life with Fibromyalgia - October 9, 2019