As the years pass, changes in memory, attention or the speed at which information is processed may occur. Although these changes do not always indicate a problem, keeping the mind active can form part of caring for cognitive health, especially in older adults.
Cognitive stimulation exercises different mental functions through activities, games and everyday tasks. These practices can help maintain cognitive abilities, promote independence and prevent mental inactivity as part of a comprehensive approach to cognitive care.
In this article, we explain what cognitive stimulation involves, its benefits and which activities and exercises can be incorporated into a daily routine.
What is cognitive stimulation?
Cognitive stimulation refers to the range of activities and exercises designed to activate and exercise mental functions such as memory, attention, language, reasoning and orientation.
It can be carried out through structured exercises, games or everyday tasks that involve remembering information, learning, making decisions or solving small problems. Its purpose is to maintain mental engagement and actively exercise cognitive abilities.
For people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, it can also form part of non-pharmacological interventions. The Spanish Ministry of Health states that cognitive stimulation is one of the interventions of this type that has received the greatest empirical support.
Which abilities can cognitive stimulation for adults exercise?
Cognitive stimulation for adults can exercise different abilities involved in learning, communication, decision-making and the performance of everyday activities:
- Memory: enables us to register, store and retrieve information, from recent facts to past experiences.
- Attention: helps maintain concentration, select relevant information and avoid distractions.
- Language: includes comprehension, spoken and written expression, vocabulary and the ability to hold a conversation.
- Orientation: enables a person to correctly identify the time, recognise their surroundings and understand where they are.
- Reasoning: is involved in connecting concepts, drawing conclusions and finding solutions to different situations.
- Numeracy: enables the use of numbers, quantities and calculations required for activities such as shopping or managing expenses.
- Executive functions: are necessary for planning, organising tasks, making decisions and adapting behaviour to each situation.
- Perception and visuospatial skills: help recognise objects, interpret images and understand the position of and distance between different elements.
These abilities do not function in isolation. An everyday activity, such as preparing a recipe or planning a shopping trip, can exercise several of them at the same time.
Benefits of cognitive stimulation
The benefits of cognitive stimulation depend on the person, the frequency and type of activity, and their starting point. Not every activity has the same effect, and no single activity can guarantee that cognitive decline will not occur.
Nevertheless, regular cognitive engagement can offer a range of benefits.
Keeping different abilities active
Varied tasks require people to remember, pay attention, understand, make decisions and solve small challenges. In this way, they exercise different cognitive functions instead of focusing solely on memory.
Supporting learning
Learning a skill, a route or how to use an application requires the brain to process new information. Learning can continue throughout life, provided the activity is adapted to the person and is easy to understand.
Supporting everyday independence
Working with real-life situations, such as organising a shopping trip, interpreting a timetable or following a recipe, can reinforce useful strategies for managing everyday life.
Improving motivation and confidence
Completing activities suited to the person’s level can generate satisfaction and encourage continued participation. The level of difficulty should present a small challenge without causing a constant feeling of failure.
Promoting social interaction
When activities are carried out in a group or with family members, they also involve conversation, cooperation and emotional connection. The social component can make the experience more motivating and meaningful.
Creating a cognitive care routine
Setting aside time to read, learn, talk or play helps integrate mental activity into everyday life.
The World Health Organization includes cognitive training, cognitive stimulation and participation in social activities among the interventions associated with reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, both in adults with normal cognition and in people with mild cognitive impairment.
Cognitive stimulation activities for adults
Cognitive stimulation activities for adults do not need to be limited to written exercises or specific materials. Many everyday tasks can naturally activate different mental abilities.
Reading, discussing current affairs, listening to music, doing crafts, cooking, learning to use new technology, organising photographs and taking part in cultural activities are some examples. Board games, puzzles and small learning activities related to each person’s interests can also be incorporated.
The State Reference Centre for the Care of People with Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias, which forms part of IMSERSO, includes activities such as reading, writing, singing, using everyday objects and making use of new technologies among its suggestions for cognitive stimulation at home.
The most important thing is to combine varied and meaningful activities, avoiding the constant repetition of the same type of task. This allows several abilities to be exercised simultaneously without turning cognitive stimulation into an obligation or a test.
Practical cognitive stimulation exercises
The following cognitive stimulation exercises combine several abilities and can be completed in just a few minutes. The important thing is to adapt the amount of information and provide clues if necessary.
The object tray
Place between four and eight everyday objects on a tray. The person should observe them for one or two minutes. The objects are then covered, and the person is asked to remember what they were.
This exercise works on attention, visual memory and language. To make it easier, the number of objects can be reduced, or the person can be asked to remember only one characteristic, such as the colour or purpose of each item.
Putting a story in order
Write down or display between three and six actions belonging to an everyday situation, such as making coffee, brushing one’s teeth or going shopping. The person must arrange them in the correct order.
This activity exercises comprehension, sequencing and planning. It can be adapted by using photographs instead of text or by placing the first step in the correct position beforehand.
Word categories
Choose a category and ask the person to name as many items as they can remember. Possible categories include animals, foods, items of clothing, countries or professions.
There is no need to time the activity if this creates pressure. You can also provide the first letter of a word, give an example or choose a more familiar category.
Planning a real task
Choose a meaningful activity, such as preparing a snack, organising a wardrobe or watering the plants. Before starting, list the materials required and the steps to follow. Once the task is complete, review whether anything was missed.
This exercise works on executive functions, working memory and problem-solving. If it proves difficult, the task can be divided into smaller stages or supported with a visual list.
Cognitive stimulation games
Cognitive stimulation games can encourage consistency by turning a mental challenge into an enjoyable activity. No single game is suitable for everyone. It should be chosen according to the person’s interests, previous experience and level of ability.
Card games
Card games can exercise attention, memory, numeracy, strategy and the ability to follow rules. The difficulty can be adapted by reducing the number of cards or choosing familiar games.
Dominoes
Dominoes combine visual perception, simple calculations, planning and social participation. Many older adults are also familiar with the rules, making it easier for them to take part.
Jigsaw puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles help exercise visuospatial skills, planning and sustained attention. The number and size of the pieces should be adapted to the person’s visual and motor abilities.
Word searches and crosswords
These can activate attention, vocabulary and language. However, they should be combined with other activities, as repeatedly doing the same type of puzzle limits the variety of abilities being exercised.
Chess, draughts and strategy games
These games require players to anticipate moves, remember rules and make decisions. They are a good option when the person already knows the game or is interested in learning it.
Quiz games
Quiz games can stimulate semantic memory, vocabulary retrieval and conversation. The questions should be adapted to the person’s knowledge and experiences, preventing the activity from becoming an examination.
Guidelines for cognitive stimulation in adults
For cognitive stimulation to be useful and enjoyable, activities should be adapted to each person’s characteristics and needs.
Choose activities related to the person’s interests
Activities connected to hobbies, experiences or familiar tasks usually encourage greater participation. Music, cooking, reading, gardening and new technologies can all provide a useful starting point.
Adjust the level of difficulty
The activity should represent a manageable challenge. If it is too easy, it may cause a loss of interest; if it is excessively difficult, it can lead to frustration. The difficulty can be adjusted by reducing the number of steps, providing examples or offering clues.
Avoid treating adults like children
The materials, images and language used should be appropriate for adults. Simplifying an activity does not mean using a childish tone or undervaluing the person’s abilities.
Choose the right time and environment
Activities should preferably be carried out when the person is rested and in a quiet, well-lit space with few distractions. Any visual or hearing difficulties should also be considered.
Prioritise regularity
Sessions do not need to be long. Short activities performed regularly are usually easier to incorporate into a routine than lengthy, occasional exercises.
Respect each person’s pace
It is important to allow sufficient time to respond, avoid constant correction and provide assistance when necessary. If the person becomes tired, resistant or frustrated, it is advisable to take a break or change the activity.
When there is a diagnosis, persistent cognitive changes or difficulties that interfere with everyday life, cognitive stimulation should be planned with guidance from a professional.
Cognitive stimulation as part of comprehensive care
Cognitive health depends on a range of factors. In addition to keeping the mind active, it is important to follow a balanced diet, exercise, get adequate rest, maintain social relationships and manage chronic conditions. Food supplements such as FontUp® can also be used to support these habits. FontUp® is formulated with green tea extract containing a high concentration of epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG, and is designed for adults who wish to care for their cognitive health from an early stage or from the first signs of change.
Cognitive stimulation should form part of a comprehensive, long-term strategy.
If persistent or progressive cognitive changes are observed, or if they interfere with everyday activities, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an individual assessment.
