Great games for dementia patients

The benefits of games for dementia patients

Depending on the stage of dementia your loved one is currently in (you can read more about managing the different stages of dementia in our article), you may be feeling like they are not finding pleasure in life, however there are many games and activities that offer not only amusement, comfort and relaxation, but can provide brain training opportunities that research has found could potentially preserve brain function in older adults. 

While it is thought that nothing – including brain training – can slow the progress of dementia, many people believe in the “use it or lose it” concept, encouraging older adults to exercise their brain on a regular basis in order to keep neural pathways strong into old age. 

One 2021 study found that high levels of cognitive activity (reading, playing games, doing puzzles, writing letters, etc.) could delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by 5 years for people aged 80+. A more recent 2023 study found that regularly taking on activities to challenge the brain (such as playing chess or doing crossword puzzles) was associated with a lower risk of dementia in older adults. 

Conversely, a 2022 study found that more time spent doing cognitively passive activities (such as watching TV) has been associated with an increased dementia risk. Whether or not there is enough evidence to suggest brain stimulating activities can help to delay the effects of dementia is unclear, but regardless of the research, it is certainly worth organising these activities for the person’s enjoyment, to distract them from some of their upsetting symptoms, and to build their confidence with activities they can succeed in.

Brain teaser games for dementia

Simple games that can help to stimulate the brain and get people thinking are excellent for those with dementia. Here are a few ideas for games that can be accessible for those with cognitive difficulties, and in which the difficulty level can be easily adapted: 

Word searches

According toAlzheimers.org, word searches are great activities for dementia patients that can be done solo or together with a caregiver. There are many books available to buy with hundreds of word searches inside, so if the person enjoys these there is no end to the number they can do in a day. 

“It makes us use our brains a bit… and they need to be used” 

– Linda, via Alzheimers.org

Scrabble

Many older adults like to keep their brain engaged with word-related puzzles, which makes the classic game of Scrabble a good fit. This helps to reinforce words and language skills by encouraging them to find letters and arrange words. This is a great game that offers a social element too, and if the point scoring system is too difficult to grasp, they can focus only on creating words. 

Crosswords

Sticking with the theme of word games, crosswords are another excellent choice that can be completed either alone (if someone is in the early stages of dementia, for example), or with the help of a loved one or carer. Crosswords require thinking and memory skills to search for the correct word to place inside the appropriate squares. Some older studies support the idea that crossword puzzles could boost cognition by increasing cognitive reserve, but more research is needed to support this. 

If the person is prone to frustration, it may be helpful to complete the crossword with them, as adding one wrong word could throw them off for all other words that require certain letters in the correct boxes. Even so, this is a simple game that could be added to a daily routine to exercise their cognitive abilities. 

Jigsaws

A 2018 study found that jigsaws use multiple visuospatial cognitive abilities, and therefore could offer protective benefits for cognitive ageing, so if a person with dementia does not like word-related games, jigsaws are the perfect solution. 

This requires them to find the right pieces and place them in order to create a picture, and these can be enjoyable as they work towards the end result that they can display proudly. For this, they will use memory skills, reasoning skills, and hand-eye coordination, plus jigsaws can be chosen according to difficulty level – for example a jigsaw with fewer pieces, or a picture that is easier to complete. 

Memory games for dementia

Memory games are perhaps the best way to focus exclusively on memory, however be aware that the person may feel these activities are drawing attention to their memory challenges and could cause them to feel frustrated if they get things wrong. Try to only use these if you feel the person will genuinely enjoy them. 

Matching Pairs

This is a game that can be done with a simple deck of cards, or more engaging and colourful picture cards, such as ones with animals or objects on them. Something they like to look at, such as cards with different types of birds or flowers, could make the game more fun for them. This involves flipping over one card at a time and remembering where each one is in order to create matching pairs. 

Spot-The-Difference Activities

Spot-the-difference-style activities can be fun and challenging for people with dementia, as they encourage memory and thinking skills. You can find many of these online. Present two similar images to a loved one with dementia to see if they can spot what is different in the second photo, or what objects are missing. These can be made easy or difficult depending on the person’s cognitive abilities, and you may want to start by finding the first difference to show them how it works if they haven’t done one before. 

Board and card games for dementia

Many older adults will have experience playing a number of board games or card games throughout their life, and despite their memory issues, they may find it easy to pick these up again. A 2019 study looking at analog games like board games found that more regular playing of these led to less cognitive decline from age 70 to age 79. 

Another 2020 review of studies found board games (among other types of games) helped improve the cognitive abilities of those with early and middle stage dementia, by stimulating their short-term memory, reaction time, logical reasoning, communication skills, and problem solving. Here are some games you could provide for a loved one with dementia: 

Snakes and Ladders

Often classic games are simple to understand and play, and Snakes and Ladders is one that many people have played before. If not, it is simple to grasp, and can be easily adapted depending on abilities. Alzheimers.org suggests an adapted version of Snakes and Ladders that includes a clear board design and numbered cards instead of dice, which worked well during a game session they organised with dementia patients. 

“It brings back memories from my childhood” 

– Cynthia, via Alzheimers.org

Card Games 

Card games are regularly played by older adults, and you can choose a difficulty level for the game based on the person’s understanding. A standard deck of cards can be used for multiple different games, such as Rummy, Go Fish, Bridge, or Solitaire. These games are great for encouraging them to use their reasoning, problem solving skills, memory, and concentration. 

If they have experience playing more difficult card games throughout their life, you may be able to encourage them to play these instead if they can remember the rules. If you are caring for someone with dementia and you don’t know the rules of the game, ask them to walk you through these, as this can also be a stimulating activity for them. Studies suggest that engaging in card game activities could have beneficial effects on cognition in older adults. 

Other Classic Games

There are so many classic games that have been on the market for many years, possibly even since your loved one was a child. If they are familiar with a certain game, such as Monopoly, Chess or Trivial Pursuit, then set this up for them and allow them to continue playing. The more they understand the rules of a game, the more they will enjoy it. 

Physical activities and games for dementia

As well as cognitive decline, there are also many physical symptoms of dementia that are not always known or mentioned. Regularly engaging in gentle physical activities can help to keep an older adult with dementia strong and flexible, and could also provide enjoyment so long as the chosen activities are safe and fun, with minimal physical strain on the body. 

One 2019 study on older adults engaging in combined physical and cognitive ‘exergame’ training, saw significant improvement in the participants’ working memory and executive function. Don’t forget to also encourage some physical stimulation when choosing activities for a loved one with dementia. 

Ring Toss

Ring toss is a simple game that you may have seen at outdoor weddings or other events, and it is both simple enough to understand and easy to perform, so it can be played by those with limited physical abilities. 

This may be done outside or indoors, and it only needs some sort of peg upright in the ground, and some lightweight small hoops to toss. The hoops can be small or large, depending on how easy you think the game should be. This will encourage gentle physical movement as they work to throw the hoop over the peg. 

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a fantastic activity for older adults, as it is slow and calming in nature. A 2023 study found that Tai Chi could help to improve cognitive function in people with dementia, but it is also thought to encourage flexibility, strength and balance. 

This Chinese martial art is not strenuous, and encourages the person to perform simple movements while breathing steadily. This can also promote stress relief, which can benefit those with dementia. This exercise can be adapted for those who cannot stand, as it can be done while seated or in a wheelchair. 

Gentle Dancing

For those with more mobility, some simple dancing to their favourite music can be a brilliant activity that gets them up and moving. It is usually best to do this supervised (and join in for added enjoyment) to avoid any accidental falls. Simple movements like stepping to the left and right, clapping their hands, and shimmying their shoulders can get them smiling and loosen up weary muscles.

Indoor Bowls

Indoor bowls (sometimes called carpet bowls) is a popular activity among older adults, and depending on the level of dementia a person has, they may still be able to take part in this whether or not they have ever tried it. This involves throwing a small, weighted ball towards a smaller white ball (called the ‘Jack’), and trying to get it as close as possible. It is strategic, but does not require a great deal of physical movement or exertion, so it can be played by those with dementia. 

Video games for dementia

There are differing opinions on the benefits of video games, but for those with dementia, this could be helpful for stimulating cognitive function, encouraging hand-eye coordination, and using strategy or thinking skills, depending on the type of games they like to play. You could choose classic video games they have played a lot before and may still be familiar with, or just simple games they can pick up easily, such as racing games or target-based games. 

A review of studies from 2020 found video games to be helpful for dementia patients as they can be customised to target specific cognitive abilities, such as memory or reasoning, and a 2019 study found computerised cognitive training increased grey matter volume in the brain of participants with cognitive impairments. As a result, this could help to preserve general cognition. There are thousands of free video games out there, so take time to research which ones could be accessible for your loved one to keep their brain stimulated.

Creative or artistic activities for dementia 

Studies have found that people with dementia could benefit from art therapy, and any number of creative activities that use artistic skills can fall into this category, offering a number of therapeutic benefits. 

Scrapbooking 

This can be a lovely way to encourage creativity, engage their memory, use hand-eye coordination, and prompt conversations about loved ones and life memories, if you feel this would not be upsetting for them. This involves choosing photos and memories, and placing them in a scrapbook. 

They can surround pictures with cut-outs from magazines, pressed flowers, and other things they like to look at (such as animals, places they have visited, etc.). Provide safety scissors for this or help them to cut out pictures and arrange their creations. 

Card Making

With the correct supplies, card making can be a very enjoyable activity for those with dementia as it is simple to do, gets their creative juices flowing, and can also provide a sense of purpose by making cards specifically for people they know with upcoming birthdays, anniversaries or other special dates. 

If they are prone to forgetting loved ones or that certain people have passed away, make sure this is done with supervision so they understand who they are making a card for when they write a message inside. 

Flower Arranging

Many people love to have flowers in their home, so arranging flowers can be a great activity for those with dementia as it gets them interacting with nature, using their hands, and exercising their creativity. 

This is an excellent activity as, no matter their skill level in this area, they are likely to create something beautiful and can also offer these as gifts to friends. You may want to assist with the trimming of stems so they do not injure themselves.

Music related activities and games for dementia

There is a wealth of research on the benefits of music for dementia patients, with studies finding that techniques such as music therapy could slow cognitive decline and behavioural changes in older adults. 

Name That Tune

This is a simple game that can be enjoyed by you both. Try to choose a selection of music that would have been popular when they were younger, or from their own music collection if they have one. You could ask them to name the song, the artist, or even have them sing the next line if they know the music well. Depending on their reaction to the music, you can continue to let songs play if they seem to like them.  

Playing Instruments 

Making music is another fun and engaging activity for those with dementia, and you can help them to do this with simple instruments that can be played along with their favourite songs. For example, offer them a shaker, a small drum, or a triangle. If they played an instrument throughout their life (such as piano) and they are still physically able, you could encourage them to play this if they have access to the instrument. 

Social activities and games for dementia

Alzheimer’s Society suggests that just 10 minutes of social interaction could improve wellbeing in dementia care, and many people would agree that games and activities can often be more fun and engaging if done in groups, or at least with one other person. Social interaction can be very beneficial for those with dementia, so here are a few games you could try to organise with a small group of people:

Bingo

Bingo is a popular game with older adults, and it is both simple and social. This usually involves a card with a number grid, and an announcer who will pick out a random number, like a lottery draw. When their number comes up, they must mark it on their scoresheet, and the first person to get a full line shouts ‘bingo’. This is a very simple activity that can be done while chatting to loved ones or friends at an event.

Balloon Volleyball

This version of volleyball is played with balloons, which makes it slower and more gentle, and able to be played by any ability. It can be played in a group, with the goal of keeping the balloon up in the air, and is a great idea for any older adults with dementia who played team sports in their youth. 

Balloon volleyball can bring out their competitive spirit while challenging them in a social environment and encouraging them to work together as a team. It also helps to improve strength, balance, reflexes, and provide some light cardio.

Karaoke 

This combines both music, memory skills and socialising, making it an excellent and fun activity for older adults with dementia. It is fairly easy to find karaoke YouTube channels on the internet that will provide classic songs with the words on the screen, so you could set this up for a family night or even as a daytime activity if the person’s friends come to visit.

How home carers can help dementia patients with games

Games and activities can be a great pastime for older adults with dementia, offering cognitive stimulation, enjoyment, social engagement, and more. These can be excellent bonding activities for caregivers who want to connect more with a dementia patient, and understand what stage of dementia they may currently be in based on their abilities. 

Often family caregivers are unable to provide cognitive stimulation in the form of games and activities as much as they would like to each day or week due to other commitments, so in these cases, bringing in a home carer could help. 

At Home Instead, we provide dementia care at home that covers a number of areas of care, meaning we can offer companionship for your loved one in the form of dementia-focused activities to stimulate their cognitive abilities. Alternatively, we can take on other daily tasks such as their personal care needs or light housekeeping in order to free up your day so you can spend more quality time and engage in some of the above activities with them. 

Our dementia care is pioneering, being created by dementia specialists and key medical practitioners from around the world, and accredited by City & Guilds. Whatever support you need to help a loved one with a dementia diagnosis, you can get in touch with your local Home Instead office to discuss your options and the support we can provide if you are caring for someone with dementia at home.

We’re an award-winning home care provider and part of a worldwide organisation devoted to providing the highest-quality relationship-led care for older people in their own homes. Arranging care for yourself or your loved one shouldn’t be stressful, so whatever questions you would like answered, feel free to reach out to the Home Instead team to discuss your needs.