Brain Games and Other Activities

This post discusses brain games and other activities that may delay the onset and reduce the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and dementias

I want to say off the bat that I am quite familiar with Alzheimer’s disease and I am fully aware that there is not a game around that will prevent it from running its course.  So, my intent is not to provide snake oil or false hope.  Brain activities such as video games, crossword puzzles, sudoku checkers and chess to name few do have thier place though.  They provide activity and exercise for the brain, they require hand eye coordination and they require more complex thought than does say listening to the radio or watching TV.  In addition, in all honesty, they might keep your loved one busy enough to provide you as a caregiver a few moments while you attend to dinner or take care of other responsibilities.

As a person who suffers with Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia, these games can provide a great escape.  doing theme related crossword puzzles or word-finds is a great way to relax and remember a time that was much more carefree and much less confusing than these days are.  Sudoku and chess are great games for those who are still able handle the complexities associated with those activities.

Although alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, such as vascular dementia initially present similarily with symptoms such as confusion, short term memory loss and difficulty handling day to day activities such as balancing a checkbook.  They differ widely in their progression and end result.  I will save the details for another post.  My point for today is that activity is good for all types of dementia.

Why activity is important:

Physical activity-Physical activity is as good for the brain as it is for the body. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain and creates an overall feeling of well being.  From a physical perspective, it strengthens the heart, muscles and combats extra pounds piling on.

Here are some things you can do to keep moving:

Walk

Take the stairs

Join an exercise class

Mental Activity-The brain needs exercise too. The Alzheimer’s Association of Canada endorses brain games.  You can click here for the entire article, but some of the activities they recommend are:

Crossword Puzzles

Reading and keeping up with current affairs

Computer games

So, no matter what you do, as you battle the monster, Alzheimer’s disease know that activity, whether physical or mental is a good thing!

               

The Importance of Physical and Mental Activity

When Alzheimer’s disease is first diagnosed (and before) it is important for the one who is affected with the disease and the caregiver to do a few things.  You can see my posts entitled, I have Alzheimer’s What Now? And Diagnosis Alzheimer’s disease, What’s a Caregiver to do?  For complete information on immediate steps to take once the diagnosis has been confirmed.  However, there is one very important thing that I want to stress today, keeping the brain active and engaged.  Don’t just throw in the proverbial towel and say, “Grandpa has Alzheimer’s disease, it’s all over now.”  It is vital that you as a caregiver do all that you can to do ensure that grandpa works his brain as much as is possible and practical.

It is very important to select age and stage appropriate activities.  You don’t want to make your loved one more frustrated.  Rather, you want to provide an environment where your loved one is having fun, “winning” and exercising the brain all at the same time.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it’s important to exercise your brain daily:

Keep your brain active every day:

• Stay curious and involved - commit to lifelong learning
• Read, write, work crossword or other puzzles
• Attend lectures and plays
• Enroll in courses at your local adult education center, community college or other community group
• Play games
• Garden
• Try memory exercises

One thing I really appreciated (in addition to the great staff) about the Caring Connection, the Adult Day Care my mom attended in Connecticut, was the activities, She often came home with the brain games and or  the craft activity for the day.  I recall one in particular.  It was a fill in the blank from movies, books and sayings, from ”back in the day.” Some of them were:

Frankly (blank), I don’t give a (blank)

It was the best of times.  It was (fill in the blanks)

Its raining, it’s pouring the (fill in the blanks)

It was fun and referred to things that she had learned long before the effects of Alzheimer’s diseases started playing havoc with her memories.

Tomorrow, I’ll provide you with examples and resources where you can find puzzles, brain teasers and activities to keep your loved one’s mind engaged.

These activities will not prevent the onset or decline due to Alzheimer’s disease, but they will keep your loved one engaged, remind him of the good ‘ol days AND maybe most of all provide a stimulating activity in which he can log a few successes as he battles the monster, Alzheimer’s disease.

               

I Have Alzheimer’s Disease! What Now?!

You are probably feeling a flood of varied emotions, that’s to be expected.  As you sort out your feelings and get your bearings, here are a few suggestions as to what to do and how to LIVE with Alzheimer’s Disease.

(1) Learn as much as you can about Alzheimer’s.  Facts diminish fear. The more you learn, the more you will understand the disease and what is to come.

(2)  Play brain games.  Keep your mind sharp. Word puzzles, crossword puzzles, math games, scrabble and jigsaw puzzles are just a few activities to keep your mind working.

(3)  Exercise.  Walk, swim, get in a class. Do whatever you can to get and stay physically active.

(4)  Set up a memory system (use post its, alarms, reminder calls).  You might need a little help with this one, but it will ultimately help you to keep your independence longer.

(5)  Consider the future (different living arrangements, power of attorney). It’s tough, but think about where you want to live when it isn’t best for you to live alone.  There are lots of options, so think about it now before it becomes an emergency and someone has to make the decision for you.

(6)  Share the diagnosis with family and friends.  Your first inclination might be to keep it a secret, but don’t. Talk with your family members and close friends so that they can support you.

(7)  Get an ID card and bracelet.  It can’t hurt and it may help.  Just in case you get separated from familiar people or in case you have a medical emergency, the card/bracelet will enable emergency personnel to help you more effectively.

(8)  Relax/meditate.  Of course, you are stressed and concerned, but take the time to relax.  Listen to your favorite music. Read your favorite book, watch some movies, enjoy your family.  Studies show that people who pray and meditate do better than those who don’t.

(9)  Have fun! A wise man once said, “Laughter is the best medicine…”  Take time to enjoy your family and friends.  Watch a funny video or DVD.  Remember, you still have life to LIVE.

(10)  Consider conventional and alternative treatment options.  There are so many more treatment options available today.  Be sure to consider them all with the help of someone you trust.

(11)  Print this list and share it with those who will be supporting you

Take a deep breath and don’t try to do everything at once. If you have additional health concerns, speak to your health care professional.

Are you willing to talk about it? Do you have Alzheimer’s Disease?  It’s so important to put a personality on these issues.  I’d like to know what its been like for you. How have others helped? How have they gotten in the way?