Memory puzzles: Are there puzzles or other activities specifically designed for people with dementia?
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Are there puzzles or other activities specifically designed for people with dementia?
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Products mentioned in our answer below are provided to inform you about the types of technologies available and have not been evaluated by CanAssist. They may or may not be appropriate for your particular situation. Some technologies and devices may require an in-person assessment. Speak with your health care provider for additional information and support.
It's great to hear that you are looking for ways to keep your husband's mind stimulated. Below are direct links to some tools designed to engage people with Dementia and Alzheimer's:
- Around the Bird Feeder Puzzle for Dementia and Alzheimer’s (at Amazon Canada) is a 35-piece, age-appropriate puzzle that has been tested with people at various stages of dementia. This product costs about $25 (CDN), plus a shipping fee.
- The Tool Shed Creative Scenes (at The Alzheimer’s Store Canada) is an creative scene that enables people to create their own tool shed using a set of magnetic pieces. Each magnetic tool can be picked up and placed on the background wherever they choose, creating their very own tool shed. Unlike traditional puzzles, there is no wrong answer in the creative scenes. This product costs about $50 (CDN), plus a shipping fee.
If you and your husband use a smartphone or tablet, you may also be interested in exploring the apps listed below:
For Apple devices:
- Let’s Create! Pottery is a free app that allows users to create pottery on their smartphone or tablet by spinning a virtual pottery wheel. This app, which was included as one of the great apps for people with dementia or Alzheimer's by the Seniors Directory, is fun to play, especially for older adults who have always enjoyed creative tasks.
- MindMate – Healthy Aging is a free app that supports individuals with cognitive decline by offering “brain workouts,” which are scientifically supported games designed to challenge the four core cognitive abilities.
For Android devices:
- Let’s Create! Pottery is a free app that allows users to create pottery on their smartphone or tablet by spinning a virtual pottery wheel. This app, which was included as one of the great apps for people with dementia or Alzheimer's by the Seniors Directory, is fun to play, especially for older adults who have always enjoyed creative tasks.
Additionally, Alzheimers.net has published an online article called 10 Stimulating Activities for Alzheimer's Patients, which lists a number of appropriate leisure activities for people with dementia.
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