Dementia Patients Can Reap Major Benefits From Doing Puzzles

There are almost 6 million Americans living with some form of dementia today, Alzheimer’s disease being the most common. Sadly, it doesn’t end here, this number is expected to reach about 14 million within the next thirty years or so. It’s true there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, however, it’s also true that there are things people can do that can help slow the progression of the disease. Adopting healthy lifestyle measures, including eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, being chief among them.

There may also come a time when caring for a loved one may become challenging for family caregivers (as the disease progresses). A reputable North Phoenix assisted living facility, such as the acclaimed Anthem Seniors, might work best for the special person in your life. Memory care facilities are ideal for people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Your loved one would live in comfort with premium safety features, surrounded by their peers and nurturing staff members. Plus, a daily calendar of events gives residents the chance to engage in programs that provide exercise, socialization and entertainment. Last, but not the least caregivers are available around-the-clock to meet the supportive health care needs of the resident.

Doing puzzles can play a critical role in the lives of people with dementia. Puzzles can help stimulate our brains, improve our hand-eye coordination and our thinking and memory skills. As we grow older, doing puzzles can still improve these skills, which helps reduce the risk of dementia, but puzzles can also be beneficial for people who already have the condition. Doing a jigsaw puzzle is a mentally-challenging activity that stimulates thinking and memory, which increases feelings of well-being, and helps improve communication and interaction.

Some ways puzzles can help Alzheimer’s or dementia patients:

Slows decline of cognitive functioning- Putting a puzzle into the hands of Alzheimer’s disease patients slows decline of cognitive functioning. It is backed by studies even, seniors with memory loss who worked on puzzles for 45 minutes two times a week had improved scores on memory tests. It is advised that you encourage those with Alzheimer’s disease to do puzzles.

Stimulates the brain- Doing puzzles is one example of an activity that exercises both sides of the brain, where the right side focuses on creativity and intuitive thought, while the left side is responsible for organizing things and using logic.

Improved social interactions- As much as puzzles are a solo activity, they are also fun to do with others. Someone suffering from dementia often has trouble interacting with those around them, especially as the disease progresses. Puzzles give an opportunity to spend time together, and also are a good opportunity for easy conversation, collaboration, and bonding.

Improved physical health- Doing jigsaw puzzles can have a calming impact that are said to lower the breathing rate, slow the heart rate, and reduce blood pressure. Calming activities like this helps relax the mind, which is good for the physical health, too.

Some other benefits:

1.      Enhances both visual perception and visual recognition

2.      Helps achieve a sense of accomplishment for someone with dementia as they complete a puzzle, which makes them feel like they have a strong purpose in life.

3.      Helps feel good with a release of dopamine upon finding a piece.

One should go for jigsaw puzzles that have been made specifically for people with dementia, which contain fewer pieces, so they’re easier to complete and also contain images to stimulate memories.

Anthem Seniors brings you the best senior care/memory care services in Phoenix, AZ, offering quality care and companionship. Contact us at 602.909.9550 at book a suite today.