A quick note

[elainegrey]

We took black-eyed peas and scrabble over to my parents for lunch yesterday. My dad has suggested game playing in response to the lifestyle changes suggested for someone with mild cognitive impairment.

Intellectual stimulation may prevent cognitive decline. Studies have shown computer use, playing games, reading books and other intellectual activities may help preserve function and prevent cognitive decline.

Social engagement may make life more satisfying, and help preserve mental function and slow mental decline.

I thought my mom would find scrabble more congenial than my dad's suggestion of hearts. My dad's response was horror: his spelling is much worse than mine. He recognized that it would be good for my mom though, so he gamely agreed. Mom, however, disappeared and called her sister.

I was very disappointed. One reason is just the hope for ever having a relaxed time with my mother that isn't folks trapped in a car....

but it's time to go to work.

Comments

[randomdreams]

Maybe boggle? It's much faster and more engaging than scrabble, and the word recollection speed is much higher.

[elainegrey]

Thanks, but I'm pretty sure "faster" is not going to help my mom's anxieties. I don't think she's played any games as an adult, really. I think i can count on one hand the times she's played a game with me.

I think i'll need to talk with her a while to see what she might be comfortable with. My dad's other idea, of going through photo albums and reminiscing with her, is probably more comfortable with her, but it's not something Christine can enjoy.

Ugh, she's never really been ... capable? interested? in just hanging out. Even things she proposes, she really wants to provide for a group to do with her in the background facilitating. Meals, crafts, and so on.

[randomdreams]

One way would be to play boggle without a timer: just list how many words you can find. I find it much more enjoyable per unit time because it's not an optimization game the way scrabble is: it's a quantity game.

[elainegrey]

Belated thanks -- that sounds like a good idea, and she was describing a game she has that *might* be boggle.