What Are Word Association Games?

These games involve relating words to one another, which engages the memory to recall terms and marshals linguistic skills to communicate them. Those playing typically come up with a new word that shares characteristics with a previously used one. A simple format is to have one person start with any word and ask the next person to come up with something related. This continues through the group, with each person coming up with a new related word.

Benefits of Using Word Association Games in Memory Care

There are many reasons to consider using word association games in memory care. These games offer a fun, engaging format to stimulate cognitive processes. Other benefits for people in memory care may include:

• Promotes cognitive engagement. These games encourage players to retrieve words from memory and find connections between terms. They have to think about similarities or associations between words.
• Encourages increased communication. Word association games encourage participants to think of and say words. This can keep communication skills sharp and encourage participants to use more words.
• Fosters social interaction. When played in groups, these games promote social interaction, which may improve mood, reduce stress and increase cognitive functioning.
• Allows for flexibility. You can play word association games with individual or small groups of memory care residents. Visiting family members and friends may also join in.
• Requires no equipment. Many word association games don't use any items at all. This makes it a simple option you can play anywhere.

Using Word Association Games at Various Levels

As dementia progresses, the ability to play word association games may change. Adapting the games allows you to still incorporate them at all stages.

Early-Stage Dementia

In the early stages of dementia, forgetfulness tends to be minor or may be sporadic. It's common to experience issues with word recall. Playing word association games frequently can help keep the skill sharp. For an easy version you can play anytime, have the participants sit in a circle and take turns saying a word related to the previous word. Choose a starting word that's a little challenging but not so difficult the players can't find one to follow it.

Another variation is to give a word to one person. They must then give clues or say other words to help the other participants guess the target term.

Middle-Stage Dementia

As dementia advances, language often becomes more difficult, which can affect word recall and the ability to construct thoughts. It's common for people to stop in the middle of a sentence when they can't find the right word. Keeping the game simple with familiar, common words may help players recall related terms.

Another option is using images to go along with words. Instead of just having participants say words aloud, you can create cards with pictures and associated words. When players can also see a picture, they may find it easier to think of a related word.

Late-Stage Dementia

Communication in late-stage dementia can become more challenging. People with advanced memory loss may have difficulty speaking or recalling words. In a word association game, keep the terms you use very simple and basic to make it easier for participants to process what you're saying.

Using picture cards may also be helpful for people in the later stages of dementia. Instead of providing a variety of pictures and having participants make a chain of related words, create pairs of pictures that go together. Examples include a baseball bat and a ball, a tree and a leaf, a foot and a shoe, or a chicken and an egg. Then, have players match the two images that belong together.

Tips for Using Word Association Games With People Who Have Dementia

The following tips may make word association games more stimulating and enjoyable for people with dementia:

• Use word association games consistently. Incorporating this type of game play into the memory care routine makes it familiar and gives participants a sense of success since they know how to play. Consistency can also help keep linguistic and cognitive skills sharper, since they're used regularly.
• Make the words meaningful. Choosing words to start with that are familiar to the participants can make the game more meaningful and increase the success they experience. This can help reduce frustration and increase positive feelings.
• Adapt the game as needed. Word association games can become frustrating if a participant's word recall and communication are limited. If it becomes too challenging, simplify the game or change to a new word.

At Bethesda Gardens Loveland in Loveland, CO, we offer a variety of activities, such as word games, art activities and music therapy, to stimulate cognitive functioning and engage our memory care residents.