Ally Roach

1. Famous Duos Game

2. A. (2019, March 21). Famous Duos Free Printable - Alzheimer's and Dementia Activity.
Retrieved April 09, 2019, from https://adventuresofacaregiver.com/famous-duos-alzheimers-
dementia-activity/
3. Equipment needed – Index cards, marker/pen, flat table
4. Activity Description –
1. Start by making a list of famous couples or characters from decades ago, that the
client knows and is familiar with. (Ex: Romeo & Juliet, Hansel & Gretel) Making
the list with the client may be helpful in ensuring the duos are familiar and
therefore having success with the activity.
2. Write each name from the list on an index card or type up some cards and cut
them out. You should have a set of cards, with one name each, that can be
matched up in even pairs.
3. Put one member of each duo in a grid on a flat table, and put all the matches in a
line below, in front of the client. Instruct the client to match each card from the
line to its duo in the grid.
5. Primary interaction pattern(s) (activity analysis) – I chose an extra-individual pattern for
this population because I believe it is the most successful pattern for improving cognitive
skills in clients with advanced Alzheimer’s. These clients may become confused easily when
presented with too much outside stimuli. This pattern allows for the client to focus on the
activity only and become fully engaged. It is also non-competitive and encourages the client
to reminisce while solving memory puzzles to improve cognition.
6. Adaptation: This activity could be adapted by reducing the number of cards to be matched.
If someone is having difficulty matching up eight sets of cards, for example, reduce the
number of pairs to four. This provides less stimuli to sort through, and less confusion to
interfere with optimal cognitive functioning. You could also provide cues to clients
struggling with long-term memory recall. For example, you could provide a picture of a
famous duo and have them match the picture with the names. You could also use a card
holder for clients that may have trouble grasping tiny objects. The client could tell you which
card matches with which, and as a therapist you can move the card there for them.