Jennie Smith, left, and Helen Oreski share a laugh during song hour at Center in the Woods, California. Oreski was diagnosed with dementia more than a year ago.

Dr. Charles P. Gennaula reviews a patient’s file with certified nurse practitioner Patty Zamiska in his office in Belle Vernon.

Helen Oreski pauses during a song hour activity at Center in the Woods in California.

UPMC neurologist Eric McDade

As awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia has increased along with the number of older Americans diagnosed with these afflictions, games from chess to Sudoko have been recommended as ways to ward off Alzheimer’s or dementia, or, at the very least, boost the functioning of individuals who are stumbling into forgetfulness.

Patricia Lyle of Washington enjoys doing word searches and crossword puzzles in an effort to keep her mind sharp after watching her late husband struggle with dementia.

Sandy Briggs