The human brain has the potential to store more than two petabytes of information. However, when an older adult has a stroke, the information may not be easily retrieved secondary to damage in the region of the brain that stimulates memory recall. Stroke survivors commonly undergo therapy to regain abilities, which include memory. There are a number of games that are useful for healing and strengthening cognitive function.
Chess
New chess players must remember how to move individual pieces, which stimulates short-term memory. Experienced players must use long-term memory to recall the cause and effect of each potential move on the board. The more frequently seniors play the game, the more skilled they become as they develop strategies to outwit their opponents.
Concentration
The time-honored game of concentration requires nothing more than a basic deck of cards. Place any number of cards facedown on a table. Turn over two cards in succession to learn their positions. The player must remember the placement of the cards to make matched pairs. The game can also be played with more than one player to increase the fun and make it more challenging.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful game-playing partner for a senior recovering from a stroke. When they’re looking for trustworthy senior care, San Diego families caring for aging stroke survivors should seek out providers that offer specialized stroke care.
Rebus Puzzles
Although the name may not be familiar, many have attempted to complete these brainteasers. Rebus puzzles consist of strange combinations of letters, numbers, symbols, and pictures that create a type of code for a common word or phrase. Determining the underlying meaning requires remembering common clichés and phrases to decipher the puzzle. In effect, deciphering the challenge relies on long-term memory.
Scrabble
This popular game requires using long-term memory to create words from a combination of random letters and existing words. When players attempt to win points by creating nonsensical words, humor abounds, which encourages the release of endorphins that reduce blood pressure and physical discomfort. Maintaining healthy blood pressure ensures the brain functions properly while preventing further vascular damage.
Simon
This simple handheld electronic device gained popularity among youngsters during the 1970s and ‘80s. The game remains available on the market and is a useful tool for boosting the visual and auditory centers of the brain along with short-term memory. The device features four different-colored buttons that light up. When activated, the game displays the lights in a particular sequence. The player must mimic the sequence provided. As the game progresses, the sequences gradually become more complicated. The game also allows players to choose the level of difficulty they prefer.
Trivial Pursuit
This classic game is designed to challenge long-term memory. Players must correctly answer questions from a chosen category revolving around entertainment, geography, history, or science. Correct answers enable players or teams to progress around the board in hopes of being the first to the finish line. The journey also offers various other challenges along the way.
Caring for a senior loved one following a stroke can be challenging for family caregivers. Fortunately, Coast Care Partners is a leading provider of a variety of home care services, including stroke care, respite care, and dementia home care. San Diego families who need compassionate professional care for their aging loved ones should give us a call today at 619-354-2544 to learn about the high quality of our services.
