Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that is caused by the presence of a extra chromosome. People with Down syndrome have a third copy of chromosome 21 in whole or in part. Down syndrome is no disease and therefore does not require medical treatment.
However, this genetic change leads to slower development. It is therefore imperative that children with Down syndrome participate in early care programs from birth.
Early care
Targeted at children with Down syndrome between the ages of 0 and 6, these programs seek to reduce the maturation delay associated with this intellectual disability by exploiting the brain’s neuroplasticity, the potential that the brain must modify and adapt. In short, these programs aim to stimulate psychomotor, cognitive, linguistic and socio-affective development.
Cognitive stimulation against loss of function
In addition, most studies agree 45 years old This is the time when people with intellectual disabilities show symptoms of functional decline that indicate the onset of premature aging. Therefore, cognitive stimulation is recommended for all people with Down syndrome to prevent and slow down cognitive decline.
NeuronUPs cognitive stimulation program enables neuropsychologists, occupational therapists and speech therapists to adapt each activity to the specifics and needs of each person with Down syndrome.
The examples of cognitive stimulation exercises for people with Down syndrome described here were developed by NeuronUP according to the principles of generalization.
Cognitive stimulation exercises for people with Down syndrome
Below we suggest five cognitive stimulation exercises for people with Down syndrome:
1. Incomplete images
However, we cannot always see a whole object. However, if we see substantial parts of it, we should be able to tell what the object is. If our patient is struggling to do just that, this cognitive stimulation card will come in handy.
How is it played?
The patient must select the option that properly completes the image.
NeuronUP activity “Incomplete Images”
Games by level
In the easier layers it is easier to choose the option that best completes the image, while in the more advanced layers it is more difficult for the patient to locate the remaining part.
In addition, this card is also available in both Digital and Paper size.
Cognitive functions
This activity stimulates the visual in a special way Gnosisthat is, the ability to visually recognize and assign meaning to various elements: objects, faces, places, colors, etc.
2. Size comparison
How is it played?
In this activity, the patient must determine the size relationship between a series of images.
In the following example, the patient needs to sort the apples from smallest to largest:
Games by level
In the easier levels it is easier to compare the size as the difference is very big and there are only two or three objects, while in the more advanced levels it becomes more and more complicated as there are four or five objects of very similar size.
In addition, this card is also available in both Digital and paper Format.
Cognitive functions
This activity is particularly stimulating Processing speedi.e. the speed at which the brain performs a task (this obviously varies from task to task, depending on the other cognitive functions involved in the task).
3. Hidden letters
How is it played?
The patient only has to search for the specified letter in a series of letters, in this case the letter “Q”.
NeuronUP activity “Hidden Letters”
Personalization of the activity
In addition, you can tailor the activity to suit each patient’s ability.
General aspects
Those skilled in the art will be able to adapt the general aspects, ie the Type of operation, the maximum timewhether you want a visible one or not timer for the activity, Inactivity warning and when you want Change the instructions etc.
parameter
With the parameters specific for this activity you can choose which one Size of the matrix, the Type and number of letters and if you want different colors or not.
Cognitive functions
The main goal of this exercise is to work on it selective attentionwhich consists of the ability to focus on something specific and ignore other stimuli.
We are also working on heminegligence, which is the great difficulty or inability to draw attention to one of the sides (usually the left one), both in relation to one’s body and space.
Activities of daily living are those activities that increase a person’s independence and adaptation to the environment. And they’re great for working with people with Down syndrome. We recommend that you try the “getting dressed” activity. It is available for both genders.
How is it played?
This activity consists of dressing the silhouette appropriately, taking into account both the location and order of placement of each garment and the nature of the situation.
Games by level
By doing In the simplest levels, there are fewer commands and more instructions in the program to perform the activity correctly, while in the more At difficult levels, the indications decrease and the demand for clothing is more complex.
Personalization of the activity
In addition, you can tailor the activity to suit each patient’s ability.
General aspects
You can customize the general aspects like that Number of exercises, the maximum timewhether you want one or not visible timer for the activity and change the Manual, etc.
parameter
Some of the features that you can customize for this game include: Select the Number of items of clothing, the scenario, if you want add a distraction, how many error can be made, the presentation of the garment and so on.
adaptability
Finally, you can choose to drag or shift the movement of clothing by clicking on the already selected clothing item. Depending on the functionality of the patient, the specialist can choose one or the other option.
Cognitive functions
- Procedural memory
- Body schema
- Idea practice
- Semantic memory
- planning
5. Mandalas
How is it played?
This worksheet consists of coloring mandalas according to the model. It is available in both Digital and paper Formats.
NeuronUP activity “Mandalas”
Games by level
In the easier levels it gets easier as there are fewer parts to paint and fewer colors to see, while in the more advanced levels it gets more and more complicated as more parts to paint and more colors to see.
In addition, this worksheet is also available in Digital Format as well as paper.
Cognitive functions
- Visual gnosis
- Selective attention
If you enjoyed this article about cognitive stimulation exercises for people with Down syndrome, you may also be interested in the following information:
Professional neurorehabilitation tool
Summary
item name
Cognitive stimulation exercises for people with Down syndrome
description
We propose five cognitive stimulation exercises for people with Down syndrome, developed by NeuronUP on the principles of generalization.
author
NeuronUP
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NeuronUP
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