● Activity programs tailored to the PLWD appear to improve quality of life, decrease neuropsychiatric symptoms, and decrease caregiver burden. (1)

● Brain exercises can help delay onset of dementia and/or improve symptoms in PLWD. The most important thing is to find one the PLWD enjoys and will continue to do. (2)

● Examples of brain exercises: crossword puzzles, word search, sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, checkers, chess, card games (solitaire, poker, etc)

● Many exercises can be done at very low cost or free (daily newspaper, online, apps).

● MyReef 3D

○ $2.99 - Customizable and interactive aquarium - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/myreef-3d-aquarium-3/id1079416777

● MindMate

○ Free - Brain games, workouts, recipes - https://apps.apple.com/au/app/mindmate-for-a-healthy-brain/id1030422375

● Lumosity

○ Free with in app purchases - Cognitive training games - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lumosity-brain-training/id577232024 "

● Other brain exercises: singing, playing an instrument, painting, knitting, cooking, book clubs, dance class/lesson, Tai-Chi

● Memory Work Out

○ Helpful guide of brain exercises from the Research Institute for Aging

● "Multiple small studies have shown Brain Gym can improve cognitive function in adults with dementia (4, 5, 6)

● Brain Gym = series of simple motion exercises to stimulate the brain hemispheres

● 5 Brain Exercises to Improve Memory and Concentration | Jim Kwik - YouTube"

References:

1. https://researchexperts.utmb.edu/en/publications/the-effects-of-a-tailored-activity-program-for-dementia-a-systema?__cf_chl_tk=hBvhGlat5c0wUOyjNX9ciw_dJRZtS0LHZ3sawvIUZTY-1738311077-1.0.1.1-2An.8hCr9eI9XfHUbLsdEeA5it9N6ALSEafxElNnUqM

2. https://lonestarneurology.net/blog/brain-exercises-for-dementia-patients/#:~:text=How%20Can%20Brain%20Games%20Help%20With%20Dementia?,you%20can%20find%20activities%20to%20your%20liking.

3. https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-living-dementia/living-well-dementia/challenging-your-brain

4. https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/79110344/pdf-libre.pdf?1642648670=&response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename%3DEfficacy_of_Brain_Gym_on_the_Cognitive_F.pdf&Expires=1738468629&Signature=ZS3oM88zA~cWKF8mHUFBBfEi4wK8oI0dkBk3gU9SX~BpkWqYWywArjScteVKdwh9ulnTmaFn6-b94FQz0U2alQnni-hhAoXFDVURydRVOUZkdK-0af2nBpaFVdlzrX3mxTdJjbVhUSoSz-VoBU-w18~vW-mKUBTcqky7AYiSpycE7LO-oBqwa0Xd12Hf8J~TrvJBKVoIyPUuyiMEYFutjeeWrgfnAVrTq2h1PQ8Vyh2I5jqApwV2Ei-S0-qV71m2MjXW18BULzRNbspT8VZJF-XzOYHx9tAfSwMGwkn4X5jepQOhtN09wqjUgCwMWW4BWOe76Z4vAi854O0nGhFwsQ__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA

5. The effect of brain GYM on the dementia and depression reduction of the elderly‎ - Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Education and Research 6. BRAIN GYM IMPROVES COGNITIVE FUNCTION FOR ELDERLY WITH DEMENSIA | International Conference of Kerta Cendekia Nursing Academy

Version: GJ 2/1/2025