Top pick
Robotic companion pet
$144.99 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
Holding and petting it can calm someone with dementia or ease loneliness.
Good to know:
Skip this if:
You run out of this.
Cognitive and engagement
Familiar and simple beats new and clever. One step, and no way to get it wrong. How picks are chosen
What to look for
- No score, no timer, nothing that can be failed.
- Music, photographs and things with texture land more often than puzzles.
- If small parts are a risk, check the box before it's opened, not after.
- Skip anything needing a login, an update, or a charger someone else has to keep track of.
All Cognitive and engagement picks
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Top pick
Joy For All companion pet
$54.34 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
A soft, lifelike robotic pet that responds to touch and sound.
Good to know:
Skip this if:
You run out of this.
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Top pick
Simple one-button music player
$119.99 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
Music someone with dementia can play on their own, with no menus or screens.
Good to know:
Skip this if:
You run out of this.
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Top pick
Activity and fidget blanket
$36.99 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
Soothing for dementia.
Good to know:
Skip this if:
You run out of this.
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Top pick
Large-piece jigsaw puzzles
$59.99 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
Big pieces that are easier to see and pick up.
Good to know:
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You run out of this.
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Top pick
Reminiscence and memory card sets
$25.99 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
Prompts for conversation and recall.
Good to know:
Skip this if:
You run out of this.
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Top pick
Big-print playing cards and holder
$5.64 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
Card games made easy to see and hold.
Good to know:
Skip this if:
You run out of this.
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Top pick
Automatic card shuffler
$29.99 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
Shuffles a deck at the push of a button, with no twisting or bridging needed for arthritic hands.
Good to know:
Skip this if:
You run out of this.
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Top pick
Playing card holders
$15.99 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
Free-standing holders that fan out a hand of cards, so no one has to grip them with stiff fingers.
Good to know:
Skip this if:
You run out of this.
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Top pick
Adult coloring books and easy-grip pencils
$4.73 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
A quiet pastime, with pencils that are easy to hold.
Good to know:
Skip this if:
You run out of this.
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Top pick
Squishy stress and hand-therapy balls
$12.98 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
Something to squeeze when hands are restless or tense.
Good to know:
Skip this if:
You run out of this.
Common questions
- What kinds of activities help someone with dementia?
- Calming, familiar, failure-free activities work best: fidget and twiddle items, large-piece puzzles, familiar music, and tactile comfort items.
- Are robotic companion pets worth it?
- For some people with dementia, yes. A lifelike pet that responds to touch can ease restlessness and bring comfort without the care a real animal needs.