We’re always looking for productive and fun ideas for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Here is a list of 50 games you can play with someone with dementia:
- Drawing or painting together – For example, coloring books that challenge people with dementia to draw between the lines
- Bingo
- Guessing games, such as charades or Pictionary
- Memory matching games
- Dominoes
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Simple card games such as Go Fish or Old Maid
- Coloring or painting
- Balloon volleyball
- Bean bag toss
- Ball rolling games
- Word association games, such as 20 Questions
- Music-based games, such as singing along or dancing
- Board games like checkers or snakes and ladders
- Simon says
- Storytelling or creating stories together
- Acting out familiar scenes or role playing
- Garden or indoor plant care
- Cook or bake together
- Photography or looking at family albums
- Sensory-based activities, such as playing with play dough or soap bubbles
- Simple hand and finger exercises, such as playing with play putty
- Craft activities such as knitting, crocheting, or scrapbooking
- Light exercises such as stretching or chair yoga
- Knocking down pins with a soft ball
- Reading aloud or listening to audio books
- Listening to music or playing instruments
- Hand-eye coordination games, such as playing with balloons
- Word games like crosswords or word search puzzles
- Sorting and matching games, such as sorting buttons or matching socks
- Trivia games based on personal experiences or interests
- Physical games like catch or beanbag toss
- Shuffleboard or bowling
- Puzzle-based games like Sudoku or Tangram
- Shape matching games, such as placing pegs in a board
- Dance or movement games
- Balloon or beach ball games
- Role-playing games, such as make-believe or acting out scenarios
- Group singing or humming along to music
- Card games like War or Spades
- Cooking or baking together
- Model building or Lego play
- Photography scavenger hunt
- Balance and coordination games, such as walking along a line or hopping on one foot
- Art projects, such as painting or sculpting
- Mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or guided imagery
- Personal grooming activities, such as manicures or hair brushing
- Laughing exercises, such as telling jokes or watching funny videos
- Exercise or stretching games
- Building with blocks or stacking toys.
Share some of your favorite games or recommendations for loved ones with alzheimer’s or dementia!
