Early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include short-term memory loss and difficulty in finding the right words when speaking. Individuals with Alzheimer's tend to retain memory of events that occurred earlier, rather than more recent events. Brain games that require good short-term memory and quick responses should be avoided. As confusion increases, avoid games that require comprehension of pictures, reading or making choices. The best games provide easy success and social interaction, and are fun.
Games for the Early Stages
During the early stages of Alzheimer's disease the person may be able to play a variety of easy word, letter or number games such as Bingo as a leader directs and helps to sequence the steps. Avoid games such as solitaire, checkers or chess that require the player to make complex visual distinctions. The best games should be familiar and ones that were popular during the player's youth so that she can take advantage of her long-term memories.
Avoid more modern or less popular games such as Othello and especially avoid computer games that require new learning, fast responses and short-term recall. An example of a memory game to avoid involves placing several cards face down on the table. Each player turns over two cards trying to find a pair. Computerized versions of this game are widely available online. Games such as this are very frustrating because they not only require good short term memory, but sequencing several steps.
Games for the Intermediate Stage
Word completion games are much easier to play than word games that require generating an out-of-context response. For example, avoid playing a Trivial Pursuit game that asks questions such as "Who was the first president of the United States?" because the player would need to pull that name from one's memory banks. However, it would be much easier to ask the player to complete the phrase: "The first president of the United States was George Wash_____" Offer lots of word and phrase completions including famous lines from songs (i.e. Happy Birthday to ___), adages: (An apple a day keeps the doctor ___) or famous people (Marilyn Mon___).
Avoid asking questions that involve generating several concepts--such as "What ingredients are used to make pizza? It is far better to provide two choices such as: "Was Babe Ruth a baseball player or a dancer?" During this stage individuals may enjoy looking at pictures of favorite objects, people, babies or animals. However, they may no longer be able to tell you what they are looking at and have lost the ability to read. Socialize with the individual by describing what you are looking at together, rather than asking questions that he is unable to answer.
Games for the Advanced Stage
During the advanced stage of Alzheimer's disease we might consider any activity that involves active participation and movement a brain game since the person will be using her cognitive abilities to respond. Great games for this stage include throwing a ball to knock over targets such as stacked boxes or bowling pins, tossing an inflated ball or balloon back and forth or passing objects from player to player. These objects should have stimulating textures, sounds or vibrate-such as Koosh balls, massagers or musical greeting cards.
Avoid games that use playing pieces that are small enough to fit inside the mouth since individuals at this stage may be confused enough to ingest them. Individuals who have limited hand use and/or vision may benefit most from activities or games that involve music. You may play a recorded song and help the person move a shaker along to the rhythm. However, pay careful attention to their reactions or note increased agitation since they will be unable to verbalize when they are overwhelmed and want to rest.
References
- "The Source for Alzheimer's and Dementia"; Pam Britton Reese; 2000
- "An Alzheimer's Guide: Activities Issues for People Who Care"; Pat Nekola,; 2002.
- "Your Name Is Hughes Hannibal Shanks"; Lela Knox Shanks; 1996.
