Notice the size of these puzzle pieces compared to the pen.
Joan Muyskens Pursley
Five large-piece jigsaw puzzles, each comprised of just 15 to 20 pieces, were recently donated to our library. These puzzles can provide hours of enjoyment for people with Alzheimer’s. They are located on the counter below large-print books.
Multiple studies have proven that doing puzzles is good for your health. Because it requires focus and patience, it helps calm the mind. It’s a form of meditation. Equally important, when you find a piece to fit, your brain releases a feel-good chemical called dopamine, which makes you feel happy and accomplished. Puzzles keep your brain active and engaged, which is good for the brain’s overall health and can help protect your brain from Alzheimer’s. Of course, there are other activities that also benefit brain health. They include doing crossword puzzles, playing cards and board games, playing music, and engaging in group discussions.
I have a relative who has Alzheimer’s. He enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles, but as the disease progressed, he became less and less interested. Why? Because his wife puts out 1,000-piece puzzles that are now too complex for him. He does, however, sit down when there are just a dozen or so pieces left to place and enjoys putting them in. I have suggested his wife get some 100- or 300-piece puzzles and see if he finds them fun to do. It is important to put people with dementia in positions to succeed. Even if he doesn’t work on one of those puzzles from the beginning, he will be able to place pieces much sooner than he can currently. If those puzzles are too much, then he might find joy doing one like those recently donated.
Anyone living with someone with Alzheimer’s knows that the person has good days and bad days. As Godwin Dixon (co-owner and co-founder of Teresa’s House Senior Care) said at a September “Dementia 101” OLLI course, “It is important to help someone with Alzhiemer’s live with dignity. One should put them in positions to succeed. Focus on tasks they can do.” Another tip, this one from Harvard Medical School: When doing activities, look for signs that the person is becoming frustrated. If so, turn the person’s attention to another activity or offer to help. If you live with someone with Alzhiemer’s who used to enjoy doing puzzles, check our 300-and-fewer-piece puzzle section (under the magazines), and if they are too complex, try one of these new donations.
For more on our library and its collection, visit www.RobsonLibrary.org.