Doing a jigsaw puzzle can be a relaxing activity that exercises visual-spatial ability, fine motor, and decision making skills. It also gives you a sense of pride once the picture is complete. For those in the early stages of the disease, puzzles with more pieces are probably the way to go. For those in the moderate stages, or for people that are less avid puzzlers, fewer pieces (that are larger) might be better. If doing a puzzle alone is beyond the person’s ability, have the individual help with specific tasks, for example, find all the edge pieces, all the blue water pieces, etc. Or, hand them a piece and show them where to place it in the puzzle. When you’re done, you can either save it using puzzle glue or break it up and put it together again another day.
Helpful hint: Buy puzzles at garage sale or thrift stores. They are much cheaper there!
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