How to Choose Games for Dementia Patients? 5 Simple Game Recommendations

Written by Nguyenjessica 

Published on April 7, 2025

how do you choose the perfect game for someone whose needs are constantly evolving? With the right approach, games can unlock joy, stimulate the brain, and create meaningful experiences that truly enrich their lives. Curious to learn how? Let’s dive into the transformative power of games for dementia care.

Key Points

1. Why Games Matter for Dementia Patients

Games provide cognitive stimulation, helping to slow mental decline through activities like puzzles and memory challenges. They also encourage social interaction, reduce feelings of isolation, and improve mood by promoting small victories and moments of joy.

2. How to Choose the Right Games

When selecting games, consider the stage of dementia, the patient’s interests, and their cognitive abilities. Early-stage patients may enjoy strategy-based games, while late-stage patients benefit from sensory activities like tactile toys or music-focused games. Always prioritize safety and simplicity.

3. Tailoring Games to Different Dementia Stages

For early-stage dementia, board games and memory games with clear rules are ideal. Mid-stage patients do well with sorting games or simple crafts that provide sensory stimulation. Late-stage patients benefit from calming tactile activities, like sensory boards or squeezing therapeutic putty, which require minimal cognitive effort.

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Table of content

Why are games important for dementia patients and what are the benefits of playing games?

What key factors should you consider when selecting games for someone with dementia?

What kinds of games should be chosen for different stages of dementia?

What types of memory games are most effective for dementia patients?

How can you tell if a game is too challenging or frustrating for someone with dementia?

What are the safety considerations when choosing games for dementia patients?

Why are games important for dementia patients and what are the benefits of playing games?

Cognitive Benefits
Playing games stimulates the brain in ways that are particularly helpful for dementia patients. Activities like puzzles, memory games, or word challenges can help keep the mind sharp by improving memory retention and encouraging problem-solving skills. These games also have the potential to slow cognitive decline, as they keep the brain engaged and active, which is essential for maintaining mental functions over time.

Social Connections
Games also open the door for meaningful interactions. Group activities such as bingo or trivia encourage social engagement and communication, helping to combat feelings of loneliness. These moments of connection can be deeply comforting, providing a sense of belonging and strengthening relationships with others.

Mood Improvement
Participating in enjoyable games often leads to improved mood and self-esteem. Achieving small victories during gameplay can bring a sense of accomplishment, while the fun nature of these activities helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Overall, games create moments of joy and relaxation, which are vital for emotional health.

Creating Routine and Reducing Agitation
Incorporating games into daily routines can bring a comforting sense of structure to individuals with dementia. Familiar activities can provide reassurance and stability, while also helping to redirect their energy. This can minimize challenging behaviors, such as restlessness or agitation, by keeping their minds focused and engaged.

What key factors should you consider when selecting games for someone with dementia?

Choose the Right Difficulty Based on Cognitive Abilities

Different stages of dementia call for different types of games. For early-stage patients, simple strategy games like card games or board games can help stimulate thinking and memory. For late-stage patients, sensory-stimulating games, such as tactile toys or interactive tools with music and light effects, are more appropriate as they can attract attention and provide comfort.

Incorporate Interests and Past Experiences

The patient's interests and past experiences are important factors when choosing games. If they enjoyed music in the past, rhythm-based games might be a good choice. If they were a teacher, trivia or knowledge-based games might align with their interests. Tailoring games in this way can make them more meaningful and even evoke positive memories.

Ensure Safety

Safety should always come first. Avoid small parts that could be swallowed and steer clear of sharp objects. Opt for soft and safe materials, such as plush toys or wooden blocks, to minimize risks.

Provide Multi-Sensory Stimulation

Multi-sensory experiences can better capture the patient’s attention. Choose items with bright colors, gentle sounds (such as musical buttons), or rich textures to make the games more engaging and interactive.

Short Tasks and Easy Success

Games should be limited to 10–15 minutes, with tasks designed to be simple and easy to complete. For example, a 5-piece puzzle or a simple tossing game can prevent fatigue or frustration while boosting the patient’s sense of accomplishment.

Encourage Social Interaction

Games that involve collaboration can promote social interaction, such as building blocks together or playing trivia games. These types of activities allow patients to engage with others while having fun. If the game involves a caregiver or companion, chatting during the activity can help reduce feelings of loneliness.

Be Flexible and Stress-Free

Strict rules are not necessary. Allow patients to play freely—for example, it’s fine if they assemble a puzzle incorrectly. The focus should be on the process of participation rather than the outcome. This relaxed approach makes the game more enjoyable and encourages continued engagement.

By keeping these considerations in mind, games can become a valuable tool for enhancing the quality of life for individuals with dementia.

What kinds of games should be chosen for different stages of dementia?

Early-Stage Dementia

Abilities: Capable of following rules, solving simple problems, and retaining short-term memory.

Game Types:

  • Board Games: Checkers, simplified Scrabble (with relaxed time limits)
  • Card Games: UNO, Go Fish, Memory Matching Games (starting with 6–8 pairs of cards)
  • Digital Apps: Brain training apps like "Elevate" or puzzle-based apps
  • Activity Books: Large-print crossword puzzles, connect-the-dots games
  • Provide written reminders of rules (e.g., "Chess: Bishops move diagonally").

Mid-Stage Dementia

Abilities: Difficulty handling complex rules but benefits from sensory stimulation.

Game Types:

  • Sorting Games: Matching colorful socks, arranging buttons by size
  • Modified Craft Activities: Sticker collages, Velcro-assisted flower arranging
  • Physical Games: Balloon volleyball (keeping the balloon in the air), bean bag toss
  • Use high-contrast colors (e.g., red/yellow trays for sorting).

Late-Stage Dementia

Abilities: Responsive to touch and sound, with limited verbal communication skills.

Game Types:

  • Sensory Boards: Items with textured fabrics, zippers, and large wooden beads
  • Musical Interaction: Shaking rain sticks, drumming in rhythm
  • Tactile Games: Squeezing therapeutic putty, stroking lavender-scented silk
  • Integrate games into care routines (e.g., naming hair clips during grooming).
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What types of memory games are most effective for dementia patients?

1. Supermarket Brand Matching Game

Suitable Stages: Early/Mid-Stage Dementia

How to Play:

  • Cut out product images from supermarket flyers (e.g., cereal boxes, laundry detergent bottles) and turn them into matching cards. Patients can match similar products (e.g., different brands of cereal) while engaging in conversation: “Did we use to buy Cheerios or Kellogg’s?”
  • Expand the game by using pretend food toys to create a "kitchen shelf." Patients can "shop" based on a grocery list.

2. Baseball Card Era Sorting

Suitable Stages: Early/Mid-Stage Dementia

How to Play:

  • Use vintage baseball cards (e.g., a 1950s Mickey Mantle card) to sort by era (1950s, 1970s, 1990s) or by teams (e.g., Yankees vs. Red Sox).
  • For patients in the mid-stage, simplify the task by sorting based on jersey colors (e.g., blue vs. red).
  • Baseball cards hold a special place in childhood memories for many American men, making this an effective way to trigger reminiscence.
  • Non-rare cards can be purchased inexpensively through platforms like eBay.

3. Medication Memory Sorting Game

Suitable Stages: Early/Mid-Stage Dementia

How to Play:

  • Collect empty pill bottles and print a "medication schedule" (e.g., Morning/Afternoon/Night). Patients sort the bottles into the correct time slots, such as placing blood pressure medication in the Morning section.
  • Add some fun by saying, “The nurse needs you to take this pill at noon today. Can you find it?”
  • Since most elderly patients take daily medications, this game is both relatable and a helpful way to practice memory and organization.

4. Road Trip License Plate Memory Game

Suitable Stage: Early-Stage Dementia

How to Play:

  • Show images of license plates from different states (e.g., California’s "Golden Bear" or New York’s "Empire State" design) and ask, “Do you remember seeing this plate when we visited Texas?”
  • For added interaction, play a "license plate color sequence" game, starting with yellow plates, then blue, then green.
  • Affordable "U.S. License Plate Memory Card" sets are available on Amazon, or you can download license plate images for free from the AAA website.

5. Laundry Sorting Game

Suitable Stages: Mid/Late-Stage Dementia

How to Play:

  • Gather old clothes (e.g., T-shirts, socks, towels) and sorting baskets labeled "Whites," "Darks," and "Delicates." Patients can sort by color or material, such as: “Please put the white socks in the Whites basket.”
  • For late-stage patients, simplify the task by sorting based on texture (e.g., soft towels vs. stiff jeans).

How can you tell if a game is too challenging or frustrating for someone with dementia?

Practical Strategies for Dementia Care: Recognizing and Addressing Needs Through Nonverbal Cues, Language, and Behavioral Responses

I. Identifying and Addressing Nonverbal Cues

Early Stage

Signs of Anxiety: Fidgeting with fingers or clothing (e.g., rubbing the corner of their shirt).

  • Example: Repeatedly crumpling paper while solving Sudoku could indicate stress from abstract calculations.
  • Response: Switch to simpler, more concrete tasks, such as counting coins to calculate prices. Gently guide: “Let’s see if we have enough coins to buy a cup of coffee.”

Fake or Stiff Smile: Smiling with their mouth but showing no joy in their eyes may indicate confusion or defensiveness.

  • Response: Pause the current activity and offer a soothing drink: “That smile looks a little tired—how about some juice to relax?”

Mid-Stage

Destructive Use of Tools: Folding playing cards instead of flipping them might signal an attempt to regain control over the activity.

  • Response: Adapt to their actions: “Let’s build a card house instead and see how tall we can make it.”

Fidgeting with Hair or Clothing: Tugging at a collar or similar gestures may indicate overwhelming anxiety.

  • Response: Offer a stress-relief object such as a silicone grip ball: “Try squeezing this ball—does it help you feel calmer?”

Late Stage

Frequent Swallowing or Throat Movements: These may signal stress.

  • Response: Stop the activity and use a warm towel to gently pat their hands. Tactile soothing can be very effective.

Tightly Closed Eyes: Keeping their eyes closed for an extended period could indicate sensory overload.

  • Response: Reduce stimulation and switch to single-sense activities, such as letting them touch a soft blanket while softly describing its texture.

II. Interpreting and Responding to Language and Behavioral Reactions

Early Stage

Avoidant Questions: "Why do I have to play this?" might reflect anxiety about declining abilities.

  • Response: Reframe the activity as collaboration: “Could you help me out with this? Once we’re done, we’ll watch the game together!”

Criticizing Tools: "These cards are too ugly!" may indicate difficulty understanding the rules.

  • Response: Use high-contrast cards and give clear instructions: “Let’s find all the yellow cards.”

Mid-Stage

Childlike Behaviors: Chewing on blocks could signal regressive behavior from excessive stress.

  • Response: Replace the blocks with food-grade silicone chew toys and gently explain: “This is safer—try biting on this instead.”

Repeated Mistakes: Placing socks in a container labeled for shirts may result from diminished ability to self-correct.

  • Response: Use containers with clear photo labels or large-font text, such as a basket labeled “SOCKS.”

Late Stage

Screaming or Yelling: This could be an outlet for emotions they’re unable to express.

  • Response: Play white noise (e.g., the sound of a fan) and gently rock their arm in a soothing rhythm, similar to calming a baby.

Suddenly Standing and Pacing: This behavior may result from impaired action-inhibition functions.

  • Response: Provide a simple directional task, such as handing them a cart and saying: “Could you help me push this over to the window?”

What are the safety considerations when choosing games for dementia patients?

Simple and Safe Precautions

1. Choking Hazards

Avoid: Small objects like buttons or tiny blocks that can be swallowed.
Use: Large puzzles or plush toys that are safer and easier to handle.

2. Fall Prevention

Avoid: Games that require running or moving around, as they may cause falls.

Use: Board games or seated activities with sturdy, non-slippery chairs.

3. Non-Toxic Materials

Avoid: Toys with peeling paint, strong odors, or questionable materials that may contain toxins.
Use: Toys made from natural wood or food-grade silicone, often available in the baby product aisle of supermarkets.

4. Avoid Frustration

Avoid: Forcing competition, insisting on winning or losing, or rushing them to respond, as this can lead to feelings of frustration.
Use: Encourage the patient with positive reinforcement: "That’s great!" or "Take your time—no rush!"

5. Match Games to Their Condition

  • Early Stage: Simple card or board games where rules can be explained.
  • Late Stage: Focus on sensory-based activities, like touching soft fabrics or listening to familiar music, without requiring complex thinking.

6. Safe Environment

Lighting: Ensure the room is well-lit—neither too dim nor glaringly bright.
Cleanliness: Wipe toys daily with alcohol-based wet wipes to maintain hygiene.

 

By following these simple safety measures, you can create a fun and stress-free environment while ensuring the patient’s physical and emotional well-being!

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