One of the best ways to prevent the onset of dementia is to keep the mind active as we grow older. This can be accomplished in many ways, such as crossword puzzles, reading books on a regular basis or playing little brain games. The Peak – Brain Training app gives senior clients a series of games to play to sharpen their memory skills, improve mental agility and keep their brain active.
When users first download the app, they need to create a profile from a Facebook account or with an e-mail address. The app asks which areas they would like focus on from problem solving, memory, language and focus. Caregivers can help their senior clients pick categories, but there’s no issue with selecting all four.
Then, to establish a base point, users need to complete a series of intro exercises. The first exercise shows users a series of three or four tiles with numbers on them and asks them to tap them in order from lowest to highest. This exercise focuses on speed and accuracy.
Another exercise presents a tiled board and shows spots where little mines are hidden. Senior clients need to remember where the mines are hidden because then it shows two dots and the goal is to connect the dots without hitting one of the squares with a hidden mine. This exercise focuses mainly on strengthening memory.
As users move through the exercises, they app assesses their skills and gives them a ranking, from beginner or novice up to expert. As senior clients use the app over time, the app creates personalized workouts to improve their skill sets based on prior performance in the games.
Senior caregivers can sit down with their senior clients a few times a week and take turns playing the games or simply cheer their senior clients on while they complete the exercises. For optimal brain exercise to help offset dementia, use the app about three times a week and pepper the day with other small brain activities, such as reading the newspaper or doing a crossword puzzle.
The Peak – Brain Training app is available for Apple and Android platforms.
Senior caregivers, let us know your feedback on this app and keep us posted if you discovers additional apps that assist with caregiving duties and help relieve caregiver stress. You may also refer-a-friend to a senior caregiving job and win prizes weekly and monthly on Caregiverlist.
