Types of Games for Dementia Patients: Ideas for Facilities

Navigating dementia can be a challenging experience. As a facility leader, you may be looking for ways to ease these challenges for caregivers and their loved ones. While there is no known cure, games can be a unique way to improve a dementia patient’s quality of life and help them enjoy their time with loved ones. Emerging research has suggested that certain games for dementia patients may even help slow down cognitive decline.

If you’re looking to incorporate games into your dementia care protocols, this article can help you get started. We’ll provide an overview describing what games are good for dementia patients and some of their evidence-based benefits.

How Does Dementia Affect Cognitive Abilities?

Dementia describes a group of symptoms that cause a decline in cognitive abilities. There are various conditions that can cause dementia — the most common being Alzheimer’s disease — and each patient experiences symptoms differently. Fundamentally, though, dementia impacts an individual’s ability to think, remember, and reason with information, which can greatly interfere with their daily activities. More specific symptoms of dementia include:

• Memory loss and forgetfulness.
• Difficulty concentrating on tasks.
• Difficulty problem solving.
• Confusion and delirium.
• Emotional dysregulation.
• Withdrawal, apathy, or depression.

How Do Games Benefit Dementia Patients?

There are many research studies highlighting the potential ways that games can benefit dementia patients. For instance, games provide a safe outlet for social interaction and engagement. A focused activity like playing a game allows dementia patients to spend more quality time with others, which may even help alleviate symptoms of depression.

Some studies have even shown that patients with mild dementia may reap improvements in their cognitive and physical functioning. Evidence on this is still quite limited and has been associated with just certain types of games. Regardless, many healthcare providers consider games as promising interventions to support the quality of life of their dementia patients.

5 Best Types of Games for Dementia Patients

Games come in all types of formats, and each one can offer different benefits. Below are five popular types of games that can help support a range of cognitive abilities in dementia patients.

1. Board Games

Board games have shown to help slow down cognitive decline in older patients, making them a great option for patients experiencing dementia symptoms. Having events to facilitate board games for dementia patients is also an effective way to enhance their social life, since these games often have an interactive, group component.

Board games to try:

• Monopoly
• Bingo
• Snakes and Ladders
• Cranium
• Tic Tac Toe

2. Video Games

With the rise of technology, video games have become a popular alternative to board games. These games can be played on computers, mobile phones, tablets, or laptops — providing a richer variety of options that can be tailored to support dementia symptoms. Not only do video games help with memory and reasoning in older adults, but some of them also incorporate movement, which helps promote exercise and physical health.

Video games to try:

• Wii Sports
• Big Brain Academy
• Angry Birds
• Cooking Fever
• Super Mario

3. Dice Games

If you’re looking for games that can spark some competitive fun among your patients, you can also consider dice games. Research has shown that certain dice games can help older adults improve their decision making and executive functioning. While these benefits have not been well-established for dementia patients, dice games may still help these patients focus on cognitive functions that they normally struggle with.

Dice games to try:

• Kismet
• Backgammon
• Shut the Box
• Liar’s Dice
• Yahtzee

4. Puzzle Games

Puzzles can be fun and simple games for dementia patients since they promote the use of cognitive skills in more relaxed settings. Puzzles come in a variety of formats and levels of difficulty, giving you options to tailor them to the abilities of your patients. Word puzzles can be great for verbal learning, while jigsaw puzzles can help with memory recall and reasoning.

Puzzle games to try:

• Crosswords
• Jigsaws
• Word searches
• Anagrams
• Mad libs

5. Card Games

Card games are a fun way to exercise deductive reasoning and concentration skills. Additionally, many card games are multiplayer, enabling your patients to spend time with their loved ones or other patients/residents at your facility.

There are many different types of decks and games available on the market. If you’re looking for easy card games for dementia patients, you can start with the list below.

Card games to try:

• Go Fish
• Uno
• Bridge
• Crazy Eights
• Tripeaks

Tips for Incorporating Games Into Dementia Care

Now that you have a list of games to choose from, you may have other logistical questions about how to introduce or incorporate games into dementia care plans. Here are three key tips to consider.

Select Appropriate Games

When figuring out what type of game your patient would like, it’s important to consider their individual abilities and the severity of their dementia. In general, research has suggested that patients with:

• Mild dementia can do well with complex activities and concentration card games.
• Moderate dementia can do well with games centered around music and entertainment.
• Severe dementia can do best with simple physical activities and sensory/sorting games.

Consider the Timing

Many individuals with dementia experience better or worse symptoms depending on the time of day. Take this into consideration and offer designated gaming times when your patients are most alert and oriented. Many dementia patients experience worsening symptoms in the late afternoons and evenings. However, these fluctuations can still vary from person to person, so it’s important to stay attuned to each of your patient’s individual needs.

Keep Sessions Brief

Along with figuring out appropriate timing, gaming sessions should be kept brief so that your patients don’t get overwhelmed. This allows your patients to take proper breaks so they’re recharged and ready to enjoy their next gaming session. Below are general, recommended guidelines on how long gaming sessions for dementia patients should last:

• Mild dementia — 30 minutes
• Moderate dementia — 25 minutes
• Severe Dementia — 15 minutes

Help Your Patients Maintain a Higher Quality of Life

Providing games for dementia patients is one of many ways to enhance their stay and promote better health outcomes. Seeking other creative and practical ways to support your patients? Learn more helpful tips about running a facility through our free, expert-written newsletter.