As we age, many of us become concerned about memory and a potential loss of cognitive skills. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia can add a sense of urgency to this feeling of stress. But there are a number of available approaches and alternative therapies that can help. And, studies have shown that our brains benefit from a regular workout routine.
Simple games like crossword puzzles and word searches are great for honing cognitive abilities. Sudoku and Crytpograms are also great ways to exercise your mind for keeping it fit.
A variety of organizations have curated games and online activities that can help train your brain:
- Online games (such as Mahjong, Tumble Tiles and Baseball) from AARP: http://games.aarp.org/
- Online brain games (such as Elephant Memory, Split Words and Tower of Babel) from AARP: http://bit.ly/21cqAnS
- Online word searches from AARP: http://bit.ly/1WQkhpK
- Online mind games from Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation™: http://bit.ly/YTX3Eq
- Online puzzles from Kappapuzzles, featured by Alzheimer's Association: http://bit.ly/1WQkxoN
- The famous crossword puzzles from The New York Times (one-month free): http://nyti.ms/1qMh7a5
- Alzheimes.net recommends a number of games that can be downloaded as apps from Apple’s iTunes or Android’s Google Play, or enjoyed directly online:
In addition to online games that people can play on their own (via desktop, smartphone or tablet) to help stay sharp, social interaction is an important key to slowing the decline of cognitive functioning, as we reported in our blog piece, Can Adult Day Care and Home Health Care Work Together? As we reported, a study from Berkley found that cognitive decline in seniors over the course of 12 years occurred 70% less in people “with frequent social contact than those with low social activity.”
Whether attending adult day care activities (like taking classes, playing games together, or doing crafts), your home health care team can see to it that you, a friend or a family member has the opportunity to train the brain in fun, engaging, social settings. And the companionship of our trained staff – for playing cards, chess or more – can also help ensure that brain exercise is part of an overall health care management plan.
To learn more about Premier Home Health Care Services, Inc. and how we can work with your family, explore our blog, which is full of helpful resources. To speak to us now about the Premier difference, please call 1-866-648-5119.
