There is a general belief that activities that stimulate the mind help to slow its decline in people with dementia. Cognitive stimulation provides older people with activities intended to stimulate thinking, memory and social interaction, in order to delay the worsening of dementia symptoms.What is "cognitive stimulation"? Basically, small groups of people getting together in a controlled setting and having discussions, playing word games or listening to music and even baking.
All activities should be designed to stimulate thinking and memory. In recent tests, "cognitive stimulation" was compared with "standard care giving" for elderly people. "Standard care giving" usualy includes medicine, day care or visits from community mental health workers, or in some cases alternative activities such as watching TV and physical therapy.
The cognitive stimulation activities left positive effects in each participant, when tested afterwards. Those who received "cognitive stimulation interventions" scored significantly higher in cognitive function tests, which measure improvements in memory and thinking. These benefits were still being seen one to three months after treatment. In addition, positive effects on social interaction, communication and quality of life or well-being were observed in a smaller number of the trials, based on self-reported or carer-reported measures.
This testing showed that social interaction, when based around memory and thinking, has positive effects. So playing cards, mah-jong, or gin rummy really can deliver big benefits amongst the elderly.
So if you know someone old. Don't let them sit in front of the TV alone. Stimulate their mind and they might stay an active participant in this world a while longer!
