Word searches in dementia care: a shared activity without pressure
Finding a familiar word or talking about a garden can be a shared activity when the person enjoys it. Word searches have not been shown to prevent dementia or slow its progression. Comfort, choice, and enjoyment guide the activity.
Published by Mind-Sprout · Responsible for content: Max Hafer
Revised:
How this guide is prepared
This guide was revised with AI assistance. Practical instructions refer to Mind-Sprout features; research statements link to their sources. Please report corrections using the contact details in our legal notice.
No medical expert review is claimed. This is general information and does not replace individual medical advice.
What the research does and does not show
A 2023 Cochrane review of 37 studies with 2,766 participants found small short-term cognitive benefits from structured cognitive stimulation in mild-to-moderate dementia. These programmes combine activities, often socially. They do not establish the effectiveness of an individual word search.
A 2022 trial compared digital crosswords with computer games in 107 people with mild cognitive impairment over 78 weeks. Crosswords performed better on the primary cognitive outcome. The trial did not test our word searches or dementia prevention. This result was previously misattributed here to a completed 2025 COGIT-2 trial.
Sources: Woods et al. (2023) · Cochrane · Cognitive stimulation to improve cognitive functioning in people with dementiaDevanand et al. (2022) · Computerized Games versus Crosswords Training in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Let the person guide the activity
Interests, comfort, eyesight, and how someone feels today matter more than a fixed grid size assigned to a disease stage. Ask whether they would like to join in. A diagnosis does not tell you which puzzle someone enjoys.
Alzheimer’s Society advises simplifying activities, reducing distractions, and stopping when tired. For a puzzle session, choose a quiet space and readable print, and allow breaks. Finishing the worksheet is optional.
Sources: Alzheimer’s Society · Tips for keeping active and involved when you have dementia
Try the large-print garden pack
The garden collection includes simple 8×8 and 10×10 puzzles with forwards horizontal and vertical words. Grid letters are 22 point and word lists are 18 point. These are design choices, not a clinically tested match to a particular stage of dementia.
- Start with the 8×8 sheet. Read the word list together and choose a familiar word.
- Point to the first letter or search a row together if helpful. Keep the separate answer sheet nearby.
- Use a word such as ROSE or SOIL to invite conversation, without testing or judging someone’s memories.
- Stop if the person loses interest, feels frustrated, or becomes tired. Reading aloud, looking at pictures, or another familiar activity may suit them better.
Print or play online
Print at 100% on A4. Worksheets are on pages 1 and 3, with answers on pages 2 and 4. Online, select the first and last letter of a word; larger cells and focus mode help with reading. Progress is saved on the same device.
The evidence cited here does not establish a therapeutic schedule for word searches. Discuss individual care needs with the person’s care or medical team. These leisure worksheets do not replace treatment.
The linked sources were consulted on September 5, 2026 for this revision. This is not a systematic literature review.