Once you discover that a loved one or friend has memory loss, it's important to begin thinking of ways to have fun together--fostering a critical social connection that will help each of you cope with a progressive disease. Playing games is one way to do this. Simplifying directions and adapting them to require limited word retrieval will make games an enjoyable recreation as well as a form of mental stimulation.
Word Games
If your friend or loved one enjoys word games, provide lots of familiar sentences to complete with a phrase, word or even a syllable, such as these:
• An apple a day keeps the doctor _________
• I left my heart in San Fran_________
• Happy birthday to ________
• The first president was George Wash_______
Other games that can be good include taking turns naming animals, words that start with a certain letter or things that you eat. Pick categories that are particularly important to the individual, such as names of sports teams or athletes. If the person has difficulty retrieving a word, jog her memory by starting the phrase, such as "The Boston Red ____."
Gross Motor Games
Gross motor games provide a great opportunity for exercise and fun. People who previously enjoyed tennis or bowling may particularly enjoy related activities, such as tossing a balloon back and forth or throwing a ball to knock over soda bottles in the center of the room. Other simplified gross motor activities include using a hockey stick or broom to push bean bags into a box, throwing a ball into a large laundry basket and tossing Koosh balls to knock over stacked cardboard boxes.
In addition, chair exercises that help maintain flexibility can be turned into a game by asking the person to choose which body parts to shake, such as "head or feet" or "legs or shoulders." Music or exercise videotapes can be incorporated into movement games.
Games Using Photographs
Friends or loved ones with memory loss often enjoy looking at familiar photographs or favorite pictures, such as pets or babies. These interests--or perhaps passions--can be incorporated into games. Collect photographs of either family members and friends or famous (real or fictional) people, such as Abraham Lincoln, Shirley Temple or Santa Claus. Even famous animals, such as Mickey Mouse, can be included. General pictures, such as flowers or cars, can also be used. Print words to identify the picture on the back of the paper. Then take turns looking at them, naming who or what they are. If the person needs help, turn the paper over so that he can read the identifying information, or provide a word completion clue, such as "Shirley Tem__."
Musical Games
Music and songs may jog a person's memory, and some people can still sing when they can no longer speak. Choose songs that are familiar, especially songs that were popular during the person's youth. Provide simplified, large-print song lyrics, omitting any punctuation marks (these can be confusing), and write the title on the back. Take turns singing and then naming the song or completing song lyrics (i.e., "Let Me Call You Sweet____"). Then relax and sing the song together using the lyrics page as needed. Tapes and videos of favorite songs can also be incorporated into these games.
References
- "Still Giving Kisses: A Guide to Helping and Enjoying the Alzheimer's Victim You Love;" Barbara A. Smith; 2008
- "The Source for Alzheimer's and Dementia;" Pam Britton Reese; 2000
