Fun questions to ask dementia patients

Sparking meaningful and engaging conversations with a person with dementia can be a truly rewarding experience. In fact, regular mental stimulation has been shown to slow cognitive decline by up to 30%. Conversations with dementia patients foster connection and trigger memories that contribute towards overall emotional well-being.

Tips for better conversations with dementia patients

Knowing how to engage with dementia patients can be the key to meaningful conversations. With patience, understanding and empathy, you can create a foundation for a positive experience.

Find a calm space - a familiar environment that is quiet and distraction-free is ideal. Factors such as the setting and the time of day can affect a person with dementia’s mood and level of alertness.

Watch for non-verbal cues - people with dementia are often unable to articulate their discomfort or disinterest directly. Body language and gestures can offer cues to switch topics or give them a break.

Speak clearly - questions you ask people with dementia should be short and clear using simpler words.

Use visual aids if possible - postcards from favourite road trips and photos from amazing adventures often help jog memories.

Be fully present - give the person with dementia your full attention. Give them time to respond and avoid rushing them to finish sentences.

Focus on familiar topics - fun questions to ask dementia patients are most successful when keeping to past interests; familiar subjects of conversation can get a better response.

Tie these tips with fun, light-hearted questions that spark positive memories, and you’re likely to create rewarding moments with your loved one.

Fun questions to ask dementia patients

Depending on the person with dementia’s interests and past/present hobbies, here are some question categories that can spark meaningful conversations

Travels and holidays

"I visited Scotland for the first time recently, have you ever been? Which countries have you travelled to?"

Sharing travel experiences is a great way to evoke that sense of adventure and excitement. Many of our favourite memories are linked to exploring new places with family and friends. This is also a great topic of conversation if they used to live in a different country.

Food

"If you could only have one meal every day, what would it be?"

Food engages nearly all of our senses, which makes it linger in the memory. It can also be closely associated with a specific moment in your life or particular celebrations. Discovering favourite foods from their childhood can stir positive nostalgic memories and lead into other memories from their youth.

Music and performance

"I’d love to listen to a song that you love. Is there one that brings back good memories?"

There’s something about music and rhythm that is tied deeply to memory. Music has an extraordinary ability to open up previously forgotten memories. There are lots of fun questions to ask dementia patients that involve favourite songs or artists, as specific tunes often have a strong association with specific things or people.

Family occasions and traditions

"What did your family do for special occasions?"

Moments when all the family come together can often hold huge sentimental value, whether it’s a wedding, birthday celebration or seasonal tradition. These milestones connect generations and can lead to positive memories of times gone by that are wonderful to explore in the present.

Childhood games and adventures

"Which games did you play growing up?"

Childhood memories shape who we are and hold positive memories for many of us. There are so many fun questions to ask dementia patients that involve happy times in childhood. Whether that’s hide-and-seek, football or board games, invite them to rekindle joyful moments.

Pets

"Have you ever had a pet? What were they like?"

Family pets are often close companions in life for many of us. Talking about a favourite pet can unlock fun memories of quirky behaviour and happy moments that create a bridge between past and present.

Gardening and outdoors

"What is your favourite plant or flower? Can you describe it for me?"

Many people feel a great connection to nature and the outdoors. If the person with dementia loved gardening or walking in nature, this topic will engage their interests. Try questions that stimulate all senses and can trigger sensory memories.