Cognitive decline makes it difficult for seniors to perform familiar tasks, such as preparing meals and managing bank accounts. Memory care offers a safe, secure environment where older adults with cognitive challenges can get the help they need. At Abbey Manor, we’re committed to providing top-notch care to every resident, regardless of their current level of cognitive function.

Although cognitive decline creates some challenges for seniors, it’s possible to improve memory skills with fun and engaging activities. Use these best memory exercises for seniors to help your loved one maintain or improve their cognitive skills.

 

 

Understanding Memory Loss in Seniors

Occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. As you get older, you may forget where you put your keys or have trouble remembering why you walked into a room. Cognitive performance also declines with age, so it may take you a little longer to calculate the tax on a restaurant order or find the right words to describe what you’re feeling. Dementia, however, is not a normal part of aging.

As of 2024, nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, a type of dementia that impacts a person’s memory, behavior and thinking patterns. Dementia affects a senior’s cognitive abilities, causing problems with short-term memory, long-term memory and executive function. In some people, memory games and other memory activities for seniors help slow cognitive decline and improve other dementia symptoms.

Benefits of Memory Exercises for Seniors

Exercises to improve memory for seniors have several benefits:

• Done correctly, these exercises may slow the progression of dementia-related memory loss. They may even improve cognitive function over time.
• Seniors who participate in brain training may be able to maintain their independence for longer than expected. Brain training can also enhance a senior’s quality of life by improving overall brain function.
• Mental stimulation helps seniors manage the behavioral aspects of dementia, which may reduce anxiety and agitation. Many brain exercises for seniors require several participants, so brain training also provides opportunities for social interaction.

 

 

Types of Memory Exercises for Seniors

All memory activities for seniors fall into at least one of the following categories: physical, mental or emotional. Each type of exercise promotes brain health and makes dementia symptoms a little more manageable.

Physical Memory Exercises for Older Adults

Physical exercise boosts blood flow to the brain, which may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Physical activity also reduces stress, making it easier to manage behavioral symptoms. This type of memory exercise consists of simple movements and activities designed to improve cognitive health. Examples include walking, Tai Chi and light aerobics.

Mental Exercises to Boost Cognitive Skills

A mental exercise is an activity specifically designed to challenge the brain. These memory games for seniors with dementia keep the brain active and help older adults improve their problem-solving skills. Examples include jigsaw puzzles, crosswords and Sudoku puzzles.

Social Exercises to Boost Memory

Social activities stimulate memory through interaction with other people. Group discussions, social games, reminiscing and storytelling sessions all help seniors improve their mental abilities. As an added bonus, they give older adults extra opportunities to enhance their socialization skills. Social activities also reduce feelings of isolation, making seniors less likely to feel lonely.

Best Memory Games for Seniors

Memory games are a great form of brain exercise as they require critical thinking, logical reasoning and other cognitive skills. These are some of the most engaging and effective brain games available.

 

 

Board Games

Scrabble provides cognitive stimulation by requiring players to make words out of randomly selected tiles. Players also have to pay attention to the point values on each letter square if they want to maximize their scores. Chess requires strategic thinking and careful concentration, so it serves as an engaging memory game for people with dementia and other cognitive issues.

Several card games also help seniors combat cognitive decline. For example, bridge requires players to sort cards by suit, form partnerships and place bids. Solitaire involves putting cards in order from highest value to lowest, so players must pay close attention to each column.

If you’re involved in choosing brain games for someone with dementia, assess their cognitive and mental health before you make any decisions. Someone who’s struggling with isolation may benefit from bridge, Scrabble or other games for multiple players. If you want to focus solely on cognitive skills, solitaire may be a better choice.

Memory Games for Seniors With Dementia

Seniors in the early stages of dementia can still play games like Scrabble and chess. However, you may have to make some adjustments for an older adult with advanced dementia. For example, dementia makes it difficult to concentrate on long games. A chess game that goes on for hours may not be the best fit.

Look for easy brain exercises, such as simple puzzles and matching games. Something like Go Fish is appropriate, as it doesn’t require as many skills as bridge. Seniors with dementia may also benefit from sensory activities, which engage multiple senses. Abbey Manor in Elkton, MD supports residents with dementia by offering personalized activities.

 

 

Creating a Routine for Memory Exercises

People with cognitive difficulties benefit from having routines. Memory care enhances a senior’s safety and well-being by offering consistency and routine on a daily basis. If your loved one is still living at home, schedule each activity for the same time every day. For example, you may want to serve breakfast at 8 a.m. and do brain exercises from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Having a routine helps seniors understand what to expect, so it may help relieve anxiety or prevent agitation associated with sudden changes.

Encouraging Active Participation

Done regularly, memory exercises help seniors improve their cognitive health. Memory activities also give seniors extra opportunities to socialize, making them effective for preventing isolation and loneliness.

Abbey Manor has extensive experience providing memory care in a safe, supportive environment. Staff members strive to create a nurturing environment, putting residents at ease and making it easier to address memory-related issues. Call (410) 343-4553 to schedule a tour or learn more about our personalized memory care programs.