Wii games for alzheimer patients

These variations allow people in varying stages of dementia and with varying abilities to play. Like so many games, Bingo can stimulate memories, thought process, and other cognitive functions. I was looking for scientific and medical publications as well as best-care practices. The authors reported that playing Bingo provides mental stimulation that is highly therapeutic for people with cognitive disorders.

Individuals participating in the study who played Bingo performed significantly better on measures of cognition than participants who did not play. Staff members reported increases in alertness and awareness in the test subjects, and this effect lasted for hours after testing was complete. Bingo is an ideal game for many people with dementia.

People of all ages enjoy playing it every day, so it certainly is age-appropriate. Bingo is easy to understand and play, so it is stage-specific for anyone except those in the very last stages of the disease. The familiar game requires that the person distinguish letters and numbers. Some Bingo variations require matching colors and shapes. Others might require one to recognize animals. Regardless of the scheme, Bingo stimulates the brain. That is why the study above found playing the game improved cognitive functioning.

Downplay the competitive aspect of gaming if your group requires that. Furthermore, Bingo is not just a game for large groups. Small groups of two or three, or even one with a caregiver will enjoy playing. Whenever possible and whatever the game, have children play with the older adults. Both age groups enjoy the stimulation and the social interaction.

Smartbrain provides stimulation to cognitive facilities like attention and memory. Surprisingly, it seems that even the diseased brain retains the ability to make new neurological connections. Since a computer game can be programmed to work on the needs and at the level of the person playing it, this technology holds some promise in the field of dementia care.

Posit Science makes a product similar to the Smartbrain used in the study. Called Brain Fitness, it is being used successfully by several residential facilities in the U. And Nintendo has gotten into the game with a product called Brain Age. Though originally intended to improve the working of healthy brains, these products are proving to be effective therapy for people with dementia. Like everything computer, electronic games will not totally replace more conventional ones, but should be considered as an important addition to an activity program whenever possible.

Golden Care Products is partnering with an eCommerce store in the UK to make PicLink, our best selling game, more available to our European customers and visitors. Click to be magically transported to our outlet in Europe. A board game with a colorful playing surface and objects that can be handled cards, dice, etc.

The more sensory stimulation the better. But be careful with objects that are small enough to be placed in the mouth. Many games involve a physical component. And be sure to allow the people in your care to have a say in the selection process. A game that she played with her children will hold a special attraction for an older woman with dementia. On the other hand, older memories stick around much longer. Not only will her familiarity with a remembered activity make it enjoyable, but old associations can evoke old memories.

This reminiscing process is, in itself, beneficial. Furthermore, the benefit is magnified if there little ones about to play along. Qwirkle is one of our favorite games because it can be enjoyed in so many different ways. She was in her 90s after all. Moreover, Bernice loved to share what she created and ask for help and suggestions. This gave her a reason to talk, to communicate, something that can be difficult as dementia progresses.

Put together in an array the effect was even more stimulating. Qwirkle is a strategic game. Players create and build upon lines based on the same color or shape.

In fact, it is great mental stimulation. Or she just created pretty patterns. Because of her love of design, she would match some by color and others by shape. She concentrated on her design, working sometimes for more than 30 minutes.

She was obviously quite pleased with herself and her final product. Except for a few tiles, they were matched either by shape or by color; but even her mis-matches were not mistakes. PicLink consists of 36 tiles and instructions with a variety of fun ways to play. An added challenge is to invent your own ways to play. Designed specifically to benefit people with cognitive and memory impairment.

As a matter of fact, the game variations are all based upon exercises that research has shown improves brain connections and enhances memory. For these reasons and more, PicLink is a wonderful game for younger people as well. Included are 30 distinct aroma diffusers in tamper-resistant flasks which players match to the corresponding image found on five brightly illustrated game boards.

What we always liked about Follow Your Nose is that it involves the sense of smell. It is difficult to create an activity that stimulates both the olfactory sense and cognition at the same time that it elicits memories.

So you can see why we are so excited. Developed by specialists in the field of gerontology and recreation, each easy to play game contains questions that will unlock memories as it provides hours of fun and social interaction.

The study study we referenced at the beginning of this page concluded that playing Bingo specifically provides mental stimulation that is highly therapeutic. Patients participating in the study performed significantly better on measures of cognition. Staff members reported increases in alertness and awareness for hours after testing. There is a host of clinical investigations that have arrived at similar conclusions. At the left we cite a number of references and briefly quote the findings of the researchers.

There are many similar studies. Physical activity is also important for stimulating memory and improving cognitive functioning. Mexican Train is a wonderful game for people with dementia. Instead of hiding the tiles, we lay them down flat so I can help my elderly aunt with her strategy.

What do they like to do? What are they able to do? What are they in the mood for today? Here are a few ideas to get started! Be patient and you will figure out what works. Read the Blog. Wipes clean for use over and over again! A fun way to engage and to start conversation! Nav Menu 2. Games For Patients With Dementia Finding games for dementia patients is a time consuming job for most caregivers.

The Alzstore offers a wide variety of games for dementia patients :senior memory games Games that enhance hand-eye coordination through manipulation of various parts or pieces Games for seniors that strengthen mental capacity through word-related activities, mental exercises or questions that encourage the verbal articulation of ideas Games that improve recall by encouraging the recollection of memories via verbal interaction or pictures Games that forge mental connections through association.

Easy to Handle Puzzles pcs Large and easy to assemble puzzle pieces! Easy Tray Puzzles 13 Pieces Easy to assemble puzzles with handy tray! Easy Tray Puzzles 35 Pieces Easy to assemble puzzles with handy tray! Easy Tray Puzzles 63 Pieces Easy to assemble puzzles with handy tray! Fidget Widgets Kit of 5 Five wooden fidget toys keep hands busy! Marble Mazes for Seniors Helps with dexterity and problem solving skills! UnGame For Seniors A great icebreaker! Daily Activities Sequencing Game Great product to work on sequence concepts!

Memory Training Game Brings back forgotten memories from long ago! Grocery Shopping Game Stimulates memory recall and conversation!