SHARES
Dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive functions severe enough to interfere with daily activities, with Alzheimer’s Disease being the most common form. The symptoms of dementia can vary greatly, usually including impairment in memory, language, attention, reasoning and visual perception. Most dementia cases are progressive and worsen over time. Eventually, it could even become fatal by taking away a person’s identity and ability to undergo daily activities.
To date, treatments for dementia temporarily improve cognitive and behavioral symptoms as researchers continue the search for treatment that would cure or slow the progression of the disease.
Can Mental Exercise Improves Cognitive Function?
According to Cochrane Reviews, mental exercise is beneficial in improving memory and reasoning among people with mild to moderate dementia. Being able to communicate and interact better also improved their quality of life. Any enjoyable activities that involve new learning and is reasonably complex, varied and interesting, can be engaged frequently to stimulate the brain of the dementia patient.
Some exercises that keep the brain active are:
- Discussing topics of interest
- Engaging in board games and puzzles
- Playing a musical instrument
- Cultivating hobbies, including baking or gardening
Nonetheless, people with severe dementia are encouraged to undertake simpler exercises. Activities that were previously enjoyed, yet becoming increasingly difficult with progression of the disease can be modified or broken down into manageable parts. Besides that, this could also become an opportunity to experiment with new pursuits that also encompass mental stimulation and social interactions such as dancing, storytelling and reading aloud.
Limitations
Although mental exercises may be helpful in slowing the deterioration of cognitive functions such as the memory and thinking process, more research need to be conducted to further understand the extent of the benefits of cognitive stimulation towards dementia patients. In most cases, medication could also be recommended to lessen the symptoms associated with dementia. Therefore, if you or your loved one appear increasingly forgetful lately, do consider consulting a doctor for recommendations. Book your doctor’s appointment with GetDoc today!
References:
- What is dementia?
- Cognitive stimulation to improve cognitive functioning in people with dementia (Review)
- Mental exercise and dementia
If you would like to make an appointment with a neurologist:
Find a neurologist in Malaysia, on GetDoc
Find a neurologist in Singapore, on GetDoc
by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
