6 Games a Stroke Survivor Can Use to Strengthen Memory Skills

Stroke survivors often have both motor and cognitive difficulties because of the way their brains have been affected. While physical therapy is designed to increase flexibility, stability, and mobility, memory-boosting games can tackle cognitive issues in a way that’s fun, engaging, and productive. Below you’ll find some suggestions for games stroke survivors can play to stimulate the three main parts of the brain associated with memory—the amygdala, hippocampus, and cerebellum.

1. Lumosity

Available as an online subscription program and already used by more than 50 million people worldwide, this memory-boosting platform can be used by stroke survivors to retrain their brains with fun games. Each game includes an easy-to-follow tutorial. The games featured also allow players to enhance other skills and capabilities that tend to be affected by strokes, including:

• Language
• Problem-solving
• Attention span
• Flexibility
• Speed

2. Uno

Uno is a classic card game that can help stroke survivors regain the ability to remember color and number combinations. Rules can be modified to fit your senior loved one’s capabilities as he or she recovers. Specifically, it enhances function in the cortex, the part of the brain that handles problem-solving, visual processing, and pattern recognition.

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3. Word Puzzles and Games

Stroke survivors sometimes need help reforming important brain connections that help with memory retention. Thinking abilities may also be affected if a stroke survivor has a common type of post-stroke dementia called vascular dementia. Additionally, word puzzles stimulate both the right and left sides of the brain, which increases skills involving logical reasoning and word recognition. Word games can do the same thing for stroke survivors. Options include:

• Boggle – A Scrabble-like word game stroke survivors can play to boost memory and word-recognition abilities

• Rhyming Ball – A word game that helps with thinking and physical coordination

• Team Stories – A word-based game that can boost memory recall and logical thinking skills. Players need to remember the story being told and come up with a sentence that logically fits into the narrative.

4. Fit Brains Trainer

Available for free for both iOS (Apple) and Android users, this app provides access to nearly 400 games and puzzles. The games are good for stroke survivors because they specifically target parts of the brain that handle memory and focus.

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5. Connect Four

This classic pattern-combination game is a fun way for stroke survivors to brush up on their long-term memory skills by stimulating the parts of the brain responsible for dexterity and gross and fine motor skills. This increased stimulation triggers reactions in the parts of the brain linked with memory.

6. Brain Trainer

A popular app available on Google Play and iTunes, Brain Trainer provides access to an extensive collection of brain-training games. Stroke survivors can tailor their gaming experiences for specific recovery goals. For instance, games can be selected based on their ability to enhance memory retention and problem-solving abilities. There are also games that can be beneficial for stroke survivors with aphasia, a stroke-related language disorder.

A professional caregiver can be a wonderful game-playing companion for a senior recovering from a stroke. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Winnipeg in-home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. Reach out to us at Home Care Assistance if you need compassionate, professional care for your loved one. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (204) 489 6000 to learn about the high quality of our home care services.