Puzzle Book?

[Anonymous]

My dad has had some cognitive problems recently. They say it’s not Alzheimers, but I think it’s similar in a lot of ways. He recognizes the problems he’s having, feels frustrated, and is losing hope. He’s been talking more and more about how “dumb” he is.

I’d like to get him a book of mental puzzles to keep him stimulated and so that he can feel he is doing something proactive. Mainstream puzzle books for adults would be too difficult, but I don’t want to get him a book designed for children or something specifically labeled as being for those with Alzheimers. I don’t want to make him feel more inadequate than he already does.

Can anyone recommend a book that might be good for him?

[Anonymous]

My mom loves doing Sudoku. My brother gave her a big book and she works on it every day.

[Anonymous]

I know this sounds weird, but grocery and drug stores sell large mass market puzzle books that aren't very hard. You could always buy a variety and tell him you're not sure which one hed like and then buy more in the style he likes.

[Anonymous]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1644723344/ref=sspa_mw_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=1644723344&pd_rd_w=Hgdxh&content-id=amzn1.sym.b494ad9d-adb9-472e-a067-07c8c150c987&pf_rd_p=b494ad9d-adb9-472e-a067-07c8c150c987&pf_rd_r=Z57Q9ZFFTKVJMJRQ73M3&pd_rd_wg=2nAt4&pd_rd_r=181f551e-43bd-4fc4-ad22-d14e819d23bf

[Anonymous]

How about card playing?

Also, when my dad got diagnosed with dementia, I researched and gave him a lot of things and he didn’t like any of them. He just likes playing cards. I’d say to suggest a wide variety of things and see what he likes.

[Anonymous]

If you want to really help him, social contact and learning a NEW skill are best.

So visits (with friends, members of his church, neighbors, family ). Perhaps a language app, following a recipe, learning the rules of a new game or sport. Physical activity is good too. Could you start walking club where he lives?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you want to really help him, social contact and learning a NEW skill are best.

So visits (with friends, members of his church, neighbors, family ). Perhaps a language app, following a recipe, learning the rules of a new game or sport. Physical activity is good too. Could you start walking club where he lives?

This x 1000.

He needs brain stimulation from several different sources. Exercise is important for blood flow to the brain. Social activity is good for both the brain and emotional health. Trying something new fires up unused parts of the brain and creates new neutral pathways.
Did he previously play a musical instrument? I started playing piano again after not playing for 25 years, and I think it has helped me. I feel so good when I can finally play a piece that had given me trouble as well.

[Anonymous]

Fill ins are my favorite type of puzzle.

[Anonymous]

My grandmother likes word searches. Simple, relaxing, and she feels accomplished when they’re done.

If eyesight and physical dexterity are still there, they make really cool/intricate “sticker by number” books that are based on a theme. My teens like them as simple relaxation when we vacation somewhere they don’t have cell service

[Anonymous]

Dollar tree sells large print puzzle books. Lot's of choices OP.