Many Americans suffer from memory-related conditions and this has a direct impact on their quality of life. The problem with memory loss is that it impacts the ability to perform routine day-to-day tasks. These include shopping, mailing letters or even chores such as cooking. At its worst, these simple tasks can even become hazardous to a loved one suffering from memory loss. The good news is that there are many ways of helping a loved one cope with memory loss. These include memory care programs, ensuring that they are eating balanced meals and finally, engaging them in brain games. Here are some of these brain games that you can try with your loved one.
Chess
Chess is a game of strategy that is often played by two competitors at a time. The aim of chess is to anticipate your opponent’s moves and to take countermeasures to prevent your pieces from being captured. Chess can either be played between two players or can be between one player and a computer. Chess not only helps to stimulate memory but helps prevent dementia.
Crossword Puzzles
Crossword puzzles are simple grids that are designed to be filled with very specific words. Clues to what those words are usually are provided alongside the crossword puzzle grid. The simplicity or difficulty of these words and clues helps to determine the level of the crossword puzzle. Crossword puzzles can be filled individually or can be a group effort. Players can brainstorm on the clues and probably seek to fill in the puzzle in as little time as possible. Crossword puzzles are available in most daily newspapers and as stand-along game magazines in newsstands.
Jigsaw Puzzle
Jigsaw puzzles are a kind of puzzle where the players are required to put together a composite photo of something from small pieces of the whole. Since the pieces are not cut out in any specific way, the challenge of the puzzle is to figure out what piece goes where. What makes a jigsaw puzzle harder than another one is the number of pieces involved, as well as the complexity of the composite image. Filling a jigsaw puzzle requires your loved one to use their cognitive skills to imagine the puzzle complete and thus figure out where the pieces go. The game can be played by one or several people, working together to solve the puzzle. This in turn helps your family member to build their social skills and their ability to work together as a team.
Monopoly
Monopoly is a board game that can be played by two or several players. When playing online, participants are also able to play against the computer. The idea behind monopoly is to possess property and other items along the game path before your opponents can beat you to it. Just like all the other bard games detailed here, monopoly is mostly about strategy and thinking ahead of your opponents. For your loved one, this not only improves social skills but also ensures that their minds are kept active and engaged.
