Cognitive rehab & memory enhancement: evidence-based interventions (Part 4)
Resources for starting a cognitive enhancement program
Games
Crossword puzzles
You can develop customized crossword puzzles for your classes. Try to use information from the previous facts of the day or information about participants for the crossword puzzles. There are a number of software programs available. One can be found at www.qualint.com/wordsheets.html.
Sudoku
Sudoku, a puzzle that involves number placement, is a fabulous activity for exercising cognitive abilities, especially attention. Full-size puzzles are available through numerous websites. One example is krazydad.com/sudoku.
It is often helpful to start with smaller Sudoku puzzles until participants are familiar and confident in their ability to complete them. Smaller puzzles can be found at www.sudokuassistant.com/en/dailykid.
Word searches
You can develop customized word searches for your classes. You can customize the word searches based on participants’ interests, holidays, or local traditions and events. There are several software programs available. One can be found at www.wordsearchfun.com.
Free printable word searches are also available on numerous websites, including www.puzzles.ca/wordsearch.html.
You can create large-print puzzles on this site at www.puzzles.ca/large_print_ word_search.html.
Internet
Activity Connection
www.activityconnection.com This subscription service provides complete and ready-to-use activities for older adults of varying ability. It has a collection of challenging activities for independent older adults as well as activities appropriate for people with dementia.
Alzheimer’s Association: Staying Mentally Active
www.alz.org/we_can_help_stay_mentally_active.asp
The Alzheimer’s Association is a rich resource for older adults and loved ones who are concerned about memory impairment. This webpage focuses on the importance of staying active mentally.
National Institute on Aging
AgePage: Exercise and Physical Activity: Getting Fit for Life
www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/exercise-and-physical-activity-gettingfit-life
AgePage: Healthy Eating After 50
www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/healthy-eating-after-50
Exercise and Physical Activity: Your Everyday Guide from the National Institute on Aging (120 pages)
What’s On Your Plate? Smart Food Choices for Healthy Aging (80 pages)
www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/whats-your-plate-smart-food-choiceshealthy-aging
Workout to Go: A Sample Exercise Routine from the National Institute on Aging at NIH (24 pages)
go4life.nia.nih.gov/resources/workout-to-go
This article is provided courtesy of the International Council on Active Aging www.icaa.cc
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