Brain games can be fun to play and a great way to pass the time, but for seniors living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), they can also be an effective way to boost cognitive health. PD is a progressive degenerative disorder that affects nerve cells deep within the brain, some of which help with thinking, memory retention, and problem-solving, which is why older adults living with Parkinson’s may benefit from any of the following brain games.
1. Brain Yoga Brain Training Game
Available as an app for both Android and Apple users, this brain training game offers nearly a dozen puzzle-based games that can help seniors with Parkinson’s boost memory, vocabulary, and the ability to match patterns. None of the games have time limits, so your senior loved one can take his or her time and relax while working through the different puzzles at a comfortable pace. Note: There are other variations of brain yoga that require the player to make different movements, which can help with hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
A professional home caregiver can be a wonderful game-playing partner for a senior with Parkinson’s. Homecare services agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
2. Word Puzzles
Whether done in a traditional format or online, word puzzles can help older adults with Parkinson’s stimulate different parts of the brain responsible for memory, thought processing, and recognition. There’s also research suggesting this type of brain activity stimulates increased production of beneficial neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, that play a role in regulating many important bodily functions, including ones that involve:
- Mood
- Muscle movement
- Body temperature
- Appetite
3. Scrabble
As Parkinson’s symptoms get worse, your loved one may begin to withdraw socially, especially if he or she is experiencing issues with cognitive function. Playing Scrabble is a fun way to help your loved one remain active and engaged with other family members and friends.
The act of making words out of letters and trying to fit them into patterns on the board can also boost brain health in a relaxing way while reducing brain cell damage. Bingo can offer similar cognitive and social benefits. Both Scrabble and bingo also help seniors with Parkinson’s boost manual dexterity and fine motor skills.
Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need a bit of help with the everyday tasks of life, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable elderly home care. Tucson, AZ, families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
4. Charades & Pictionary
It’s common for older adults with PD to have issues with slowed thinking. Both charades and Pictionary are fun interactive games that require on-the-spot thinking. Seniors with PD may also enhance or maintain their vocabulary skills by playing these brain-stimulating games.
5. Simon Says
What’s appealing about this classic pattern-recognition game is that it’s both mentally and physically stimulating for seniors with PD. In addition to helping with speed and agility, the physical movements associated with Simon Says can stimulate blood flow, and better circulation is good for the brain. Playing the game can also be beneficial for the brain by:
- Increasing focus and concentration
- Strengthening multitasking abilities
- Enhancing pattern recognition skills
Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Tucson, AZ, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Trust Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate, professional care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (520) 276-6555.