Puzzles

It is amazing to me how much has transpired over this past year. As we head into the closing weeks of 2009, I feel blessed to be able to say that the opportunity to watch a dream unfold is an awesome privilege. No matter what is ahead, I am grateful for the journey thus far.
When activities are pursued after the diagnosis of dementia, it is important, as we mentioned in past posts, to take into consideration the preferences, interests and desires of the individual. Another thing that needs to be considered is present ability and/or any limitation due to decreased functioning. However, I have found that the main reason to look at limitations is for their use as a tool to help in determining ways to adapt the activity so the individual can engage. For instance, if a person used to enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles, which is a fun and relaxing pastime for many, but can no longer participate in the activity, it is beneficial to look at what is preventing the involvement. Is it because the executive functioning is gone and the ability to understand how to start to work the puzzle or that straight edges create the puzzle border? Is it an inability to recognize what pieces fit together? Are they overwhelmed by too many pieces? Or is it that dexterity has decreased and manipulating the puzzle is too difficult?
Depending upon the answer, there are various solutions. One is to buy puzzles that are larger and have fewer pieces. Use two or three that fit together and place them in front of the individual. Demonstrate how they fit together and then take them apart and see if they can do it themselves.
If the difficulty is sequencing or remembering how to start, very often working with the individual through cues and guidance can help.
If they are overwhelmed by too many pieces, then again a puzzle with larger pieces can help and presenting just a few pieces at a time can bring successful results.
Finally, if dexterity is a problem, use the larger, chunky type of puzzle which is easier to handle.
In our Brainy Day Program, our solution to an activity that satisfies and simulates a jigsaw puzzle is the pentominoes. They are straight edged puzzle pieces, all with right angles, so that there is no “right” way to fit them together. We have them in two colors, violet and yellow, so that there are no pictures or designs to match, which makes it easier to work the pieces. I have watched people arrange and rearrange the pieces just like a regular jigsaw and they could be engaged for hours. The pieces are large and a quarter inch thick so they are easy to manipulate.
Besides the fun that the person gets from being able to do something they enjoy, they also expand on their activity pursuits and that is very beneficial in improving endurance and it also helps to develop more positive attitudes for everyone.
Happy Hanukah and Merry Christmas to all those who are celebrating and may this be a week full of joy and blessings for everyone. Mary Ann