Apps for Memory Loss

Alzheimers Activities.com , provided by the Alzheimer Association of Greater Michigan provides a post of iPad apps appropriate for individuals with memory loss entitled “Play a Simple iPad Game (again – this is the second of two posts).  The apps listed tap familiar memories of days gone, a method of reminiscing which is beneficial to those with memory loss. Here are a few of the apps Alzheimers Activities.com provides with themes that encourage reminiscence:

   WWII Aircraft (3.99)

Yesterday USA – Old Time Radio (free)

  Babies  (2.99; who doesn’t love to see pictures of babies and recall days those early years?)

… and more at Alzheimer’s Activities  !

What great themes! my memories of working in long term care involved discussing the olden days – World War II stories with Vets (my father was in WWII and while living in Germany I visited many historical sites with him that made reminising very meaningful when talking with Veterans!), big band music and dancing with the elderly. Providing images and music on the iPad so brings back memories for everyone!

A second post from Alzheimersactivities.com provides additional suggestions of apps suited to individuals with memory loss or dementia in the Play a Simple iPad Game (this is the first of two posts) which provides app suggestions for classic games such as Tic Tac Toe (free from Optime), Marble Mixer (1.99), Air Hockey (.99), Crazy Face (free), iAquarium Free  , painting along with a list of 13 other fun app games.

Many of these apps are similar in nature to the classic games I had found for students with cognitive disability at school that facilitated interaction, turn taking and success as posted on  Leisure Apps for Students with Special Needs . Other apps I am sure are available featuring pictures of hobbies and interests might include themes of flowers, birds, butterflies, hunting or fishing from zoos, DNR, horticultural or other specialty museums.

Alzheimersactivities.org  also provides educational links to Alzheimer’s Association Brain Tour which explains how the brain works and how Alzheimers affects it.

For Android tablets, here are a few apps to explore:

World War II Fighters (free – Android)

Old Time Radio Player (free- Android)

Tic Tac Toe free – Android – developed by Optime

3D Bowling – Android (free)

Ease of mobility and interaction with tablets provide a tool for occupations across the life span! I’ll look forward to trialing a few more apps with my mom!

For those working with geriatrics – what is in your OT mTool Kit?

Carol