Mental Activities to Lower the Risk of Dementia

When a person develops dementia, it is as if a fog settles over their brain. They have trouble remembering where they put things or forgetting conversations they just had. Dementia is progressive, and there is no known cure.

Fortunately, some treatments can help reduce the symptoms and improve the quality of life.

The progression of dementia is different for everyone. When the affliction advances, families could consider transitioning their loved one into a memory care facility. This type of long-term skilled nursing facility provides around-the-clock care for residents. Part of that care includes engaging residents in mental activities to lower the risk of dementia.

Many studies have found that activities that stimulate the brain can help with cognitive challenges. For example, the National Library of Medicine published a study about the benefits of games.

If you have someone in your family who is in the early stages of dementia, you might want to try some of these mental activities to challenge them.

They’re also good exercise for your brain, too.

Word Puzzles

Word puzzles have become a very popular form of online entertainment. These puzzles include Wordle, Words With Friends, and any classic crossword puzzle. Studies suggest that engaging in these puzzles supports building up the neural pathways in the brain that help with knowledge retention.

Jigsaw Puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles have also demonstrated a positive effect on improving cognition. That can help slow down or minimize the impact of dementia.

Dice and Tile Games

Dice and tile games such as dominoes, Mahjong, Yahtzee, and Bar Dice are fun games that work out brain functions and involve a social element. This further supports brain activity, which lowers the risk of dementia.

Card Games

Like dice games, card games are challenging and involve playing with others unless the game is solitaire. You can play adult card games, such as bridge and pinochle, or games the grandkids can play, such as Go Fish or Uno. They all provide a good workout for the brain.

Board Games

Board games such as chess, checkers, or Monopoly involve planning moves ahead. Deploying these strategies can have positive effects on brain functions. Many board games also involve additional elements, such as dice, cards, and spinners, which provide further positive engagement.

Video Games

Video games aren’t just for the grandkids. These games can be played on a computer, mobile device, or iPad. A recent study found a positive effect on the participants’ visual memory and recognition.

Reading

Reading is an enriching activity that helps stimulate the brain. In addition to books, poetry, magazines, and newspapers also have benefits.

Entertainment

Television shows, movies, and radio programs are all entertainment forms that keep the brain engaged. Playing along with game shows can add an extra boost to the brain.

Creating Art

Various art mediums, such as painting, drawing, and clay modeling, can be beneficial expressions for people struggling with dementia.

Learning New Things

The adage “You learn something new every day” can be applied to anyone actively engaging in classes on YouTube or podcasts. Learning languages, a new skill or hobby, or a musical instrument are all great ways to stimulate the brain.

For some who are struggling with advanced dementia, the above activities might prove too challenging. In those situations, you can try engaging with your loved one through conversations, reminiscing, reviewing photo albums, and listening to music.

If you are looking for more suggestions, My Nursing Home Abuse Guide offers many other helpful resources to support the care of your elderly loved one.