This Popular Social Activity Can Ward Off Dementia
According to Alzheimer’s Society, research has found that ten minutes of social interaction a day helps improve wellbeing for people with dementia in care homes.
Now, it’s been revealed that a specific social activity can benefit people with dementia and it’s actually really quite surprising.
According to a study published in 2019, people with dementia can experience cognitive improvement from playing bingo.
How bingo helps dementia sufferers
The research, which was undertaken by 15 people mostly between the ages of 75-84 years old, looked at how regularly playing bingo improved the cognitive wellbeing of dementia sufferers in terms of memory, thinking, orientation, language and command.
What they found was that continuous playing of bingo for seven consecutive weeks improves the memory of sufferers. Additionally, the game itself keeps the mind in a competitive state as the speed of the game boosts the emotional aspects of mental stimulation.
Somewhat surprisingly, winning or losing the game doesn’t matter as much as taking part, keeping up with the pace of it and playing it regularly.
The social activities that are beneficial to dementia patients
According to the NHS, the following activities are also beneficial to those with dementia:
- dance, tai chi, yoga, swimming or joining a walking group to help keep you active and sociable – look out for local dementia-friendly swimming, gym and walking sessions
- arts-based activities – drawing/painting classes, drama groups and book clubs can all help you stay involved
- reminiscence work – share your life experiences and stories from the past with photos, objects, video and music clips, either as a book or on a tablet or other digital device
- find a local memory café (also known as a dementia café), on the Alzheimer’s Society website – meet other people with dementia and their carers in an informal drop-in setting to share advice, tips and support
- Singing for the Brain groups run by the Alzheimer’s Society – singing is known to improve mood and wellbeing and is also great fun
The Alzheimer’s Society offers support near you and Age UK offers social activities for what’s available in your area.