A matching game for a person with Alzheimer's needs duplicate picture cards, a clear table, good lighting, and rules adapted to the player. Start with a few face-up pairs, demonstrate one match, and supervise when small objects could be mistaken for food. A matching game asks the player to pair identical or related images. The aim is enjoyable activity and connection—not testing memory, measuring decline, or forcing a win.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Table of Contents
- Choose simple, easy-to-handle supplies
- Pick pictures that invite connection
- Set up the game without overload
- Guide play without making it a test
- Check the pieces for safety
- Keep expectations realistic
Choose simple, easy-to-handle supplies
Use two identical sets of large cards with clear pictures. The Alzheimer's Society describes a dementia-reviewed commercial game containing two color-coded decks of 33 cards, but a homemade set can follow the same basic format: duplicate images and simple matching rules. See the Alzheimer's Society example. Useful supplies include: Large pieces, strong contrast, and good lighting can help people who have difficulty seeing or handling ordinary cards, according to the Alzheimer's Society's guidance on games.
- Two copies of each selected image
- Thick card or durable printed photographs
- A plain table covering that contrasts with the cards
- A tray, box, or envelope for storing each set
- Normally worn glasses or hearing aids
Pick pictures that invite connection
Choose clear images of familiar people, animals, foods, hobbies, occupations, places, or household objects. Avoid crowded photographs with several possible subjects. Personally meaningful pictures can turn the activity into reminiscence and conversation.
A matched pair of gardening tools might prompt a discussion about a garden, while two photographs of a favorite meal may lead to talk about family traditions. The player does not need to name every picture. Pointing, grouping, storytelling, or simply noticing an image can still create a satisfying activity.
Set up the game without overload
Choose a quiet, uncluttered, well-lit table. Remove unrelated objects, television noise, and extra card pairs before beginning. The Alzheimer's Association recommends limiting distractions and presenting activities as simple, manageable steps. See its at-home activities guidance. Begin with two or three pairs placed face up.
Put matching cards near each other if the player needs a strong visual cue. Add more pairs only when the current arrangement feels comfortable. For a traditional memory version, turn the cards face down and reveal two at a time. Use that format only if it remains enjoyable; face-up matching is often the simpler starting point.
Guide play without making it a test
Demonstrate the first turn: select one card, find its duplicate, and place the pair together. The National Institute on Aging advises adapting activities to current abilities, helping the person begin, and deciding whether supervision is necessary. See its activity-adaptation guidance.
Offer one cue at a time. For example, say, "Can you find another apple?" or move the matching card closer. Avoid correcting mistakes sharply or asking repeated questions that expose difficulty. Adjust the game as needed:.
- Reduce the number of pairs.
- Keep all cards face up.
- Match by broad category, such as animals or foods.
- Take turns cooperatively instead of competing.
- Remove scoring and time limits.
Check the pieces for safety
Use large, sturdy cards instead of small tiles when judgment, swallowing, or object recognition is impaired. Avoid loose decorations, sharp edges, damaged laminate, and pieces that resemble sweets or other food.
Stay nearby if the person mouths or eats non-food objects. NHS guidance says caregivers should supervise this behavior and remove unsafe items. Stop immediately if a card enters the mouth or if the player begins coughing, choking, or trying to swallow a piece.
Keep expectations realistic
Matching games can provide structure, conversation, and an achievable shared activity. They should not be presented as treatment for Alzheimer's or as proof that memory is improving.
A five-week pilot included only six people with moderate Alzheimer's. Its sample-matching assembly game improved an executive-function screening score but not MoCA scores, so the finding is too limited to establish matching games as treatment. Use the activity when the person appears engaged, and shorten or stop it when enjoyment gives way to fatigue or distress.
