Exploring Dementia Through Play: The Games That Illuminate Cognitive Decline
What game is about dementia? The most direct answer is Before I Forget, an indie exploration game developed by 3-Fold Games. This game uniquely puts you in the shoes of Sunita, a woman grappling with early-onset dementia. Before I Forget is not just about puzzles or challenges; it’s a poignant, first-person experience designed to evoke the confusion, frustration, and fleeting moments of clarity that characterize dementia. However, it is not the only game dealing with memory loss and cognitive decline. Several other games delve into aspects of dementia or memory-related issues through different lenses. Let’s explore some of these experiences, and then delve deeper into frequently asked questions about dementia-related games and how to approach cognitive decline through various forms of play.
The World of Dementia in Video Games
Before I Forget: A Personal Journey
As mentioned, Before I Forget provides a deeply personal and intimate look at dementia. The game is not about winning or losing; it’s about understanding the disorientation and the struggle to remember as Sunita attempts to piece together her identity and her life. The developers at 3-Fold Games carefully crafted the game to reflect the lived experience of someone with dementia. Through its unique narrative and gameplay, the game aims to foster empathy and awareness.
Ether One: Restoring Memories
Another game that explores memory and cognitive function is Ether One. This game casts you as a “Restorer,” tasked with delving into the mind of Jean Thompson, a woman diagnosed with dementia. Your job involves piecing together fragments of her memories by solving environmental puzzles and uncovering story elements within her imagined world. Unlike Before I Forget‘s personal perspective, Ether One approaches dementia through the lens of a caregiver, focusing on restoring broken connections and understanding a person’s past.
Beyond Narrative: Games as Tools for Cognitive Health
While specific games immerse players in the narrative of dementia, it’s crucial to acknowledge the broader role brain games and activities can play in supporting cognitive health. These include:
- Word puzzles: Crosswords, word searches, and anagrams stimulate language, word recall, and arrangement skills—all beneficial for maintaining cognitive function. The popular game Wordle is another example of a beneficial brain game.
- Jigsaw puzzles: These can be a fun way to engage the brain.
- Other cognitive games: Chess, tabletop games, video games and memory games can help with cognitive skills.
These activities are not solely for preventing dementia but can also be used therapeutically with individuals who already have dementia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dementia and Games
1. Do Brain Games Prevent or Slow Down Dementia?
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, engaging in mentally stimulating activities like puzzles and brain games can help maintain and potentially improve cognitive function, potentially delaying the onset or progression of dementia symptoms. These games can enhance memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
2. Which Types of Games Are Best for Dementia Patients?
Games suitable for dementia patients should be straightforward, enjoyable, and not overly challenging or frustrating. Examples include:
- Simple board games: Like checkers, dominoes, or simple card games.
- Jigsaw puzzles: With larger pieces and familiar scenes.
- Word games: Easier crossword puzzles, word searches.
- Bingo: Which can be a fun, interactive group activity.
3. Can Video Games Help Individuals with Dementia?
Carefully chosen video games can provide mental stimulation and entertainment for some dementia patients. Games that aren’t overly complex and focus on recognition, matching, and simple actions may be appropriate, but they must be tailored to the individual’s ability and interest.
4. What Are Some Other Activities That Can Help with Memory Loss?
Beyond gaming, several activities can help improve memory:
- Physical activity: Regular exercise boosts blood flow to the brain.
- Social interaction: Spending time with others helps maintain cognitive function.
- A healthy diet: Especially foods rich in antioxidants, like berries, fish and leafy greens, that are good for brain health.
- Sleep: Getting enough restful sleep is critical for memory consolidation.
- Mental activity: Learning something new and doing “brainteasers”.
5. What is the 5 Word Test?
The 5-word test (5WT) is a serial verbal memory test with semantic cuing used to rapidly evaluate memory in aging adults. It can be useful in identifying patients with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
6. What Are the Early Warning Signs of Dementia?
The ten early warning signs of dementia are:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty with tasks
- Disorientation
- Language problems
- Changes in abstract thinking
- Poor judgement
- Poor spatial skills
- Misplacing things
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Withdrawal from social activities
7. What is the Most Common Cause of Dementia?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia itself is a condition where problems with memory or other thinking skills interfere with daily life, and can be caused by several different diseases.
8. What Foods Fight Memory Loss?
Berries, fish, and leafy green vegetables are known for their brain-boosting properties and are recommended to support and protect brain health.
9. What is the One Thing to Avoid Dementia?
Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of dementia as it supports brain health by improving circulation.
10. Are There Free Brain Games for Seniors?
Yes, many free online brain games and puzzle apps exist. Sudoku, for example, is an excellent and accessible free brain game that can help improve cognitive skills.
11. What Activities Can Slow Down Dementia?
Staying mentally and socially active with activities like adult education, arts and crafts, playing musical instruments, volunteering, doing puzzles, and playing games can slow down dementia progression.
12. What Is the Most Common Cause of Death in Alzheimer’s Patients?
Aspiration pneumonia is the most common cause of death in Alzheimer’s patients, resulting from difficulties swallowing and inhaling food or liquids.
13. Can Someone Recover From Alzheimer’s?
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, some innovative treatments have shown potential in slowing the progression of cognitive decline and dementia, offering hope for improved outcomes.
14. What Do Alzheimer’s Patients Think About?
People with Alzheimer’s disease think about emotions, relationships, daily life, and tasks, just like anyone else. However, dementia affects how they interact with and perceive the world.
15. What is the Play “Unforgettable” About?
“Unforgettable” is a play that highlights the importance of recognizing early signs of Alzheimer’s and emphasizes the need for underrepresented communities to participate in clinical trials. It is an educational production by the creators of “Forget Me Not”.
Conclusion
Exploring dementia through games like Before I Forget and Ether One offers a unique and empathetic way to understand this complex condition. Whether through deeply personal narratives or by acting as a caregiver within the story, these games shed light on cognitive decline. Further, engaging in a variety of brain-challenging activities and fostering a healthy lifestyle are important for both prevention and support. The most important action is to prioritize cognitive health and seek new ways to understand and support those affected by dementia.