Puzzles may assist with cognition for older adults, and a new “magic table” helps people with dementia to interact in a low-stress way.

The Power of Puzzles

Recent research has found that older adults who play puzzles may have memory and focus similar to that of much younger people. Older adults (aged 60-81 years) who play puzzle games were found to have working memory (WM) and ability to ignore distractions equal to study participants aged 18-30 years old.

This finding held true specifically for puzzle games, as opposed to action games or games of strategy. However, the reason may be related to specifics of the games studied. Digital Creativity Labs at the University of York conducted the research, which was published in Heliyon.

“Although older adults with superior WMC [working memory capacity] may be more likely to play puzzle games, it is also possible that playing puzzle games improves WM, and equivalent training gains may be seen for younger and older adults with age-appropriate training,” the authors wrote. The findings can inform future interventions or programming in senior living. An article in McKnight’s Senior Living also discussed the research and its implications.

“Magic Table” and Other Interactive Tech Engages People with Dementia

A new highly interactive tool can engage people who experience dementia. The Tovertafel “magic table” uses overhead equipment to project images onto a table. People touch the images to play games, and several people can sit around the table to play together.

The Tovertafel is unique in that it enables people with dementia to be in the moment. It does not require them to draw on their memories. It lets people who have difficulty with social skills interact with others, as they join to play the game. Tovertafel also offers some physical activity, as players to move their arms to reach the images.

Tovertafel “combines features of a video game, a Ouija board and artificial intelligence to provide purposeful, research-based interactive play—without the need for staff to supervise or direct players of widely varying skills and capabilities,” said the New Hampshire Union Leader in “High-tech for dementia patients boosts quality of life and frees up nursing staff.” The tool, in use at the Rockingham Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Brentwood, NH, also gives visitors a way to better interact with residents. McKnight’s Senior Living shared additional insights on Tovertafel’s use in long-term care.

Interactive technology from iN2L + LifeLoop, a LeadingAge Associate Business Partner, is also assisting older adults who are experiencing dementia. It enables them to tap memories and to take virtual trips. The tool provides brain teasers, trivia games, and logic challenges, said the Union Leader article.