Few things stave off cognitive and physical decline like diet and exercise. Of course, the decision to activate these two is up to you. Two tips: dieting means fresh, non-refined food in a medium portion.
While reading labels is laborious, the rewards are huge. Keep note of what’s healthy (4 ingredients or less, sugar or another sweetener must fall last, and there cannot be terms you do not know or cannot pronounce) so that when you shop you know exactly what to select.
Next is exercise which encompasses balance routines, lifting light weights, and going for a walk. None of these need to be hard, heavy, or exhausting, but there should be a challenge to ensure that your strength and energy are moving forward.
A couple of books come my way that focus on improving the mind. The first by Maria Shriver, Color Your Mind – a Coloring Book for those with Alzheimer’s and the People Who Love Them, offers key topics such as “Stay Positive” and “Move Your Body”.
Each includes a blurb on the topic, ideas to enhance it, and coloring pages. There are ideas for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia plus hints for caregivers. My tip: Do Not Wait for Alzheimer’s, dementia, or worrisome forgetfulness; Get Ahead of the Curve Now! See paragraph one for a reminder… We implemented a coloring page “Love” at respite and wow!
I was impressed with the diligence and beautiful designs that emerged. These will be exhibited on the February 2025; section of our group calendar currently being created. Shriver has developed something special and useful.
The second book is Stronger Memory by Goodwin Living. It recommends setting aside 15-20 minutes per day to engage in reading aloud, writing, and completing simple math problems.
A handy calendar allows you to track your progress as you also self-encourage to complete the tasks. While most of us read silently, you probably recall the power and excitement of being read to as a child or in school.
Few moments mesmerized me more than when my sisters regaled me with Mrs. Piggle Wiggle or Mrs. de Coursey delighted the class with Little House on the Prairie adventures. Even in college when Dr. Bertolo at UNR with his rich, soothing voice shared 1800th century literature in French, I entered a world of thoughtful reflection – all so lovely and deeply entrenched in my own love of the resonance of a good book.
Copies of Stronger Memory are heading toward Winnemucca and they’ll be used in our Thursday 9:30 a.m. Book Club at the Pleasant Senior Center followed by inclusion in our respite project that comes right after. Stop by for more background information or to ask questions.
Participants receive a book, key topics for reading and thinking, writing (handwriting) prompts with a notebook for recording them, and then math pages (not timed!). Math starts very simple: 1 + 6 = and moves forward to more complicated equations. I have also added a few logic questions to our efforts – just enough to fine-tune the brain for critical thinking.
With Thanksgiving and Christmas almost here, you might purchase these books for your loved one plus your chance to improve these three skills, too. This is also a way to examine cognition changes, now and over time. Reading aloud is becoming a vanishing talent as is handwriting. While the word processor may be faster, the personal flare disappears with a print-out.
Other ideas for the holidays – include loved ones in celebrations. You may have to cut out some of the regular family “wildness” and maintain a calmer, quieter tone, but love endures regardless of roadblocks.
Read faces and gestures with care – too noisy? too long? too much activity? Redirection to a more peaceful spot can solve your concerns. Many people with dementia require more sleep so a nap might be required. Sometimes this is from “sundowning” where night transforms into the busy time while day is bedtime or simply because the body is dealing with internal changes to keep good care of itself.
Also consider those who are alone. While confusion may be too much, just about everyone appreciates kindness – some banana bread, a hot plate of food, a fun activity like checking out the lights around town or a coloring or sticker book. Most important is, of course, personal contact and that sweet feeling of love.
Follow-up: Deed Upon Death may be a challenge – check with a legal professional!