Part of living well with Parkinson’s disease is to put your brain through some regular workouts as much as your body. Engaging in activities that stimulate the brain can help improve mood, enhance cognitive function, and even slow the progression of symptoms.
We looked into several online “brain games” that may offer some fun while doing some cognitive calisthenics. We also included a list of popular games that don’t require a screen and add the opportunity to socialize to double the benefit!
ONLINE COGNITIVE GAMES AND EXERCISES
- CogniFit: This platform offers a variety of games and assessments tailored to improve cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and reasoning. It provides personalized training programs that adapt to the user’s performance.
Disabilitease
- SuperBetter: Developed by game designer Jane McGonigal, SuperBetter is designed to build personal resilience and achieve health goals through gameful challenges. It encourages users to stay curious, optimistic, and motivated.
Michael J. Fox Foundation
- NeuronUP: This platform offers cognitive stimulation activities specifically designed for individuals with neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s. It provides exercises targeting memory, attention, and executive functions.
NeuronUP
- Sporcle: A trivia website that offers mentally stimulating quizzes across various topics, which can help sharpen wits and provide entertainment.
Michael J. Fox Foundation
- NeuroNation: (Provides a free version) This app provides a range of brain training exercises aimed at improving cognitive performance. It offers personalized training plans and tracks progress over time.
Wikipedia
- Lumosity: (Provides a free version) A randomized study involving 4,715 participants assessed Lumosity’s impact on cognitive functions. Participants trained five days per week for 15 minutes each day. After 10 weeks, those using Lumosity showed greater improvements in working memory, short-term memory, processing speed, problem-solving, fluid reasoning, and overall cognitive function compared to a control group performing online crossword puzzles. However, the study noted that more research is needed to determine the connection between improved assessment scores and everyday tasks in participants’ lives.
Lumosity
- BrainHQ: (Provides a free version) Developed by Posit Science, BrainHQ has been the subject of multiple studies. A 2017 systematic review identified BrainHQ as one of the few programs with high-quality evidence supporting its efficacy in enhancing cognitive functions in healthy older adults. The review highlighted that BrainHQ had multiple peer-reviewed studies demonstrating its effectiveness.
Wikipedia
- Elevate: (Provides a free version) While specific studies on Elevate are limited, a 2021 article from Mayo Clinic Connect mentioned that brain-training apps like Elevate may have a mild to moderate effect on improving memory and other types of thinking in older adults with age-related cognitive decline or mild cognitive impairment. However, the article also noted that there’s no substantial evidence that these apps can prevent or slow cognitive decline.
Mayo Clinic Connect
- Peak: (Provides a free version) A 2019 study led by Professor Barbara Sahakian at the University of Cambridge investigated the effects of the game “Decoder,” available on Peak. The study found that participants who played Decoder showed improvements in attention and focus compared to control groups. However, the study emphasized the need for larger-scale randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings.
The Times
OFFLINE GAMES from Lone Star Neurology
1. Checkers and Chess
Providing checkers and chess for Parkinson’s patients is an essential form of therapy. It’s best for those who suffer from this chronic movement disorder. These classic board games can offer significant neurological benefits. It’s because of stimulating strategic problem-solving play.
By nurturing the brain with these activities, patients can enhance neural connections. And they remain engaged in meaningful pursuits throughout their lives.
In this way, checkers and chess provide a form of cognitive therapy. It can help improve motor skills and battle some of the disease’s negative effects.
2. Poker
Poker for Parkinson’s patients could be one of the best games for the aging brain. This activity has been shown to help improve reaction time and fine motor skills. Thus, it works in an enjoyable, mentally stimulating way. Group poker games also offer an opportunity for socialization among other Parkinson’s patients.
And it all provides a safe setting. Poker for Parkinson’s patients helps to increase cognition and focus. And it also reduces symptoms such as movement difficulties and muscle rigidity. Participants come away from each gaming session feeling more fulfilled and connected. And it leaves them with a sense of hope.
3. BlackJack
BlackJack for Parkinson’s patients is a form of therapy. It encourages physical activity and promotes cognitive awareness. By shaking the hand-held gaming control, users can relearn necessary motor skills for the game.
Practicing these movements supports greater mobility and improved coordination over time. This therapy also stimulates mental activity with challenging strategies to win. By providing enjoyment and relief from symptoms, BlackJack for Parkinson’s patients is transforming the lives of individuals and their families.
4. Scrabble
For those suffering from Parkinson’s, playing board games can be a fun activity for patients. It’s an engaging reprieve from the effects of their condition. Not only does it bring a sense of comfort and familiarity to many who grew up with the game. But it also provides patients with some intellectually stimulating challenges.
They can encourage cognitive stimulation. Playing games like Scrabble can help improve communication and language development. At the same time, it also provides an avenue for socialization among friends and family. Equally important is how Scrabble forces patients to consider their strategic decisions carefully. And ultimately build on existing decision-making skills.
5. Puzzles
Puzzles can be an effective therapy for Parkinson’s patients. They serve as a distraction. And they allow individuals to focus on the task at hand instead of symptoms like:
- Tremors.
- Difficulty moving.
And it helps with cognitive processes that are often impaired in Parkinson’s.
Not only puzzles are enjoyable and potentially stress-relieving for people with the condition. They also aid in both short and long-term memory retention. Puzzles may even ease social interaction among caregivers and loved ones of those affected by Parkinson’s disease. This makes puzzles an excellent choice for patients to build their skills.
6. Memory-Matching Card Games
Memory-matching card games can be an effective therapeutic intervention for Parkinson’s patients. These games help to increase mental stimulation and seniors’ memory. Also, they provide an entertaining and interactive way to maintain cognitive functioning. Challenging patients to remember and match items from the cards encourages better engagement with the brain and helps with recall.
It is believed that regular activity can work to improve Parkinson’s disease symptoms. And playing memory-matching card games is one example. People suffering from the condition can cultivate a healthier lifestyle while having fun.
7. Charades
Charades can be an effective tool to help patients with Parkinson’s disease. Acting out words and phrases can help stimulate the brains of these individuals. And it improves cognition and communication skills. This type of rehabilitation also has the added benefit of aiding in social interaction, which many living with Parkinson’s may lack.
Also, it can provide a much-needed social outlet. And it is fun and engaging for everyone involved. Physician supervisors should explore their options regarding incorporating charades into therapy sessions for their Parkinson’s patients to see if this creative form of rehabilitation benefits them.
8. Solitaire
Playing solitaire card games for Parkinson’s patients is a great source of:
- Comfort.
- Distraction.
Especially for Parkinson’s patients. It is an activity they can enjoy while social distancing. And it also offers many cognitive benefits. Additionally, solitaire can be beneficial to physical coordination. It’s because the patient:
- Manipulates the cards with their hands.
- Strengthens their fine motor skills, such as coordination and precision.
Besides providing many physical and mental health benefits, playing solitaire may offer:
- A sense of accomplishment.
- Self-satisfaction afterward.
Patients can assess tasks in front of them and think strategically about how to solve each game. It helps reduce stress amidst a challenging situation.
9. Simon Says
Simon Says is one of the best games for the aging brains for people with Parkinson’s disease.
It combines:
- Vocal commands delivered by the trainer.
- Physical movement.
- Mental agility to challenge the brain’s neural pathways and help them stay connected.
With “Simon Says” mechanics, people with Parkinson’s like to follow verbal instructions. And at the same time, their motor skills do various physical activities. Memory and coordination can be greatly improved with regular Simon Say exercises. It makes it an essential tool in helping manage the condition.
10. Word Puzzles
Word puzzles help people with Parkinson’s Disease maintain their cognitive abilities. Research has shown that providing a stimulating environment for individuals living with Parkinson’s can help slow the progression of their symptoms.
With word puzzles, Parkinson’s patients can keep mentally sharp. And they remain mentally active, which helps preserve cognitive functioning. Word puzzles provide an entertaining activity. And it allows patients to relax while also stimulating their mental capacities. By offering these activities, we can create a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.
From https://lonestarneurology.net/parkinsons-disease/games-for-parkinsons/
