Top 10 dementia friendly games
According to the World Health Organisation, dementia is the seventh highest cause of death. With the growing ageing population, many countries already have strategies in place to tackle the increased costs associated with dementia care while others, including in the Middle East, are just starting to realise the implications for their economy.
The UAE and Qatar have been taking steps towards addressing the issue by carrying out more research, building more dementia care centres - these centres are free of charge for Emiratis – and addressing the negative stigma associated with dementia in the region.
Though there is no cure for dementia, there has been more research done on ways to slow down the deterioration of cognitive skills by engaging patients with activities like art, painting and gaming.
Researchers saw the positive effects of board games and video games and so started to develop specific games to help with dementia care. These games are called Serious Gaming for Dementia Care (SGDC) – These are carefully thought-out games that target specific aspects of cognitive or physical skills that need improvement. Examples are Big Brain Academy or Minwii - a music therapy game that can be easily used by caregivers.
Entertainment games on the other hand, are fun games that are played by all ages with the goal of having fun. However, the use of entertainment games has also seen some positive cognitive improvement in dementia patients and better still, they get to enjoy these games with their loved ones, either in person or remotely with the help of communication technology such as Discord or in-game chat.
Here is our list of Top 10 games that are dementia patient friendly that may help improve the following cognitive functions:
1. Super Mario Bros
Super Mario games follow various characters such as Mario and Luigi as they travel through different worlds to defeat Bowser. There are various games under the Super Mario brand and some of them, such as Mario Kart, are multiplayer games which are available on various Nintendo consoles.
2. Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a multiplayer boardgame where the objective is to collect the most points by building train track routes between two destinations. Strategy is important in this game as your opponents may block your route in an attempt to slow you down.
3. Animal Crossing
Animal Crossing is a simulation game where you explore and build your island. At your own pace, you can decorate the island, get to know the residents, catch some fish and bugs and also visit your friend’s island. This relaxing game also has some seasonal activities. For example, you can enjoy a snowball fight with the residents, or even planning an in-game birthday party for your friends. Animal Crossing is available on the Nintendo Switch.
4. Before I Forget
This game is more for family members and carers to attempt to understand the feelings of someone suffering with dementia.
The story follows Sunita, a woman suffering with early-onset dementia trying to trigger a memory as she looks through the things in her house in an attempt to remember experiences and memories in her life.
5. Monopoly
Monopoly is a multiplayer board game where the winner is the person with the most money and properties. Throughout the game, players roll a pair of dice to move their pieces in hopes of landing on properties for them to purchase. The fun part of Monopoly is you can easily create house-rules to suit the group you’re playing with.
6. Memory Lane Games
Memory Lane Games are made for people suffering with dementia. There are various games that test people’s memory, fun quizzes and various themed games suitable for people of all ages and abilities. For example, there’s a picture game for bird lovers in which they identify species from a multiple choice list. Memory Lane Games is available on Apple Store and Play Store and can be played on mobile phones and any tablets.
7. Tetris
Tetris is a classic puzzle game where players fit various shaped pieces together to complete a line. They get points when the completed line disappears. In the multiplayer games, players compete to last the longest. Unfortunately, it’s game over if the lines pile up and reach the top of the field. Modern Tetris is customisable by slowing down the game or only using certain shaped pieces to suit the person you’re playing with. You can get Tetris on mobile phones, PC, and most consoles.
8. PicLink
PicLink is an interactive picture board game specifically created for dementia patients and children with learning disabilities. The game comes with a set of tiles with images that can be used to tell a story or for the tiles to be grouped by colour, themes or the letter the item starts with. It is a game that is customisable to suit the needs of the player.
9. Snakes and Ladders
The classic Snakes and Ladders is a dice game where the objective of the game is to reach the top final piece of the board. There are various ladders players can climb to reach the top but be wary of the snakes who can slide you to the bottom of the board.
There are physical as well as virtual Snakes and Ladders games that can be played on various smart devices.
Playing a classic game might help bring back memories of their childhood.
10. Nintendo Switch Sports
Nintendo Switch Sports is a sports simulation game with multiplayer mode by using the Switch controllers to play the actions. Players can change the controller modes to either detect physical movement like swinging a golf club or simply by a press of a button. Enjoy sports such as golf, tennis, football and more.
Though these games may be fun, it is important to consult a doctor first as some dementia patients might not have sufficient cognitive functions to enjoy these games and might end up frustrated. Take the cue from your loved ones and start with simpler games like Snakes and Ladders.
As we learn more about dementia and how it affects patients, we are discovering more and more ways to help. But it’s important to recognise the financial impact that dementia has on patients and their families. Products like Friends Provident International Limited’s IPME and IPME+ include critical illness cover that can help you plan for your future- speak to your financial adviser to learn more.