Tuesday, March 09, 2010 newtutor asks

Q: what games on the computer can I play to keep me alert?

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Answers (4)

Vicki, Health Guide

3/11/10 6:19am

Hi newtutor,

I'm sorry you are experiencing cognitive difficulties. Momdukes has some good ideas.

I asked my doctor years ago and he suggested crossword puzzles. I really like word games and there are good ones on Pogo, Yahoo games and FaceBook. My favorite is Bookworm.

I also play cards, solitaire, spades, and poker, especially poker. Poker has an advantage because it has the card aspect as well as the strategy with the other players. There are online poker games that provide free chips to start, but somehow the game seems passionate for some as if it is money or survival. I am usually a gentle player, not too aggressive, but slow and steady.

There are all kinds of visual games like Bejeweled that I don't play, but lots of my online MS friends do. On FaceBook, there is also Farmville, a different kind of game where you build a farm with animals and crops. It is social networking at its best.

I think there is benefit to all of these types of games because they keep your brain moving, co-ordinated with hand movement. Try a couple and see what you like. You will know when you feel alert.

Let us know what you choose and how you think it works. Good luck.

momdukes

3/10/10 7:32am

I sometimes play this game on POGO called Word Womp, Popit! But I also do a lot more reading. In my case it keeps the mind activy. Any good novel will do, I just read. I also do Find-A-Word puzzles, I buy them in the large print, I can see them better. Do crossword puzzles if you like them. They are not my cup of tea. I hope that this gets you started. Oh I also make crafts, the Dollar Store I find is the best place to buy these puzzle books, they also usually have a table full of good books, you just have to look through them to find one you like. I hope this helps some, or at least gives you some ideas.

sherry/smomdukes

Sherry O

3/15/10 7:59pm

Hello momdukes,

It's been awhile since I've been to the site. Happy to see your name as I recognized it! I recently read in the Momentum on-line magazine, it is good for the brain if we try a new activity, it gives you the workout that familiar activities do not! I have not found a new activity I want to try as of yet. Just trying to get through the day most of the time.

SherryO

Sherry O

3/15/10 7:50pm

I find Free Cell & Scrabble help keep me engaged in the game. I would love to re-learn Cribbage. I think that would be a game one would have to keep focused on while playing. My husband and I used to play for hours. I thought since it was in my long-term memory, I'd be able to pick it up readily, once game started, not so! The counting 15-2.....

Hope this helped a bit.

SherryO

newtutor

3/16/10 1:45am

This is something I need to know about. What is Free Cell? I know about Scrabble and have tried it a few times. Thank you for giving me this advice.

Sherry O

3/17/10 12:43am

Hi newtutor,

Free Cell is a type of solitaire. The game comes with your Windows program under games. When you click on the game, cards will be dealt. Click on Help in the upper left hand corner; click on view help. The instructions walk you through how to play and goal of game. It is explained under help in a much better way than I could.

Good Luck and, have fun!

SherryO

newtutor

3/19/10 7:21pm

Thank you. I have a MAC and I'm not sure but I think, I can go some place on the consoul to type in the word games and see if they have "free cell"

I am really happy that I've found this Health Central site. People with MS are communicating with others who have the same Uninvited Guest. Again thank you.

Sherry O

3/20/10 1:11am

Welcome to the community. You will find a great deal of support; answers to queries (except Free Cell on MAC); up dates on current research; how people deal with the variety of challenges that are part of this journey; it is a safe place to vent our frustrations but, the hugs, even via the internet, are amazing!

SherryO

newtutor

3/21/10 9:35pm

I saw that someone else has responded to my initial question and found your response to my "MAC" debacle as soon as I opened the HealthCentral Site. I am grateful and love the fact that there is a community of people who are willing to help others as you say on this journey. Thank you, thank you all.

tellnhelen

3/21/10 11:28am

I like Mahjong Tiles. You can find it on MSWorld .org There slots of other stuff too.

newtutor

3/21/10 9:40pm

Thank you for the advice. I don't remember if I've ever been on MSWord.org or not but as soon as I finish my emails from yesterday and today that is just where I am going to try and go.

tellnhelen

3/22/10 9:30pm

not MSWord....MSWorld.org

newtutor

3/24/10 8:35pm

I am now going to go back to MSWorld.org. not MSWord.org