A Brain is a Beautiful Thing

By Patty Hagen

When it comes to reversing memory decline and rejuvenating your brain, take heart! There’s hope for us, regardless of age. That’s the central message of a “Remember This” seminar recently held at Charles E. Smith Life Communities, where I’m the director of Dementia Programs.

In “How to Boost Your Memory and Brain Performance – at Any Age,” Majid Fotuhi, MD, PhD laid out solid information and important, easy-to-follow advice that boils down to sticking to a physical exercise regime, finding ways to stimulate your mind, and following doctors’ orders  to improve serious medical conditions. Dr. Fotuhi is considered one of the world’s leading brain experts and an authority in the field of memory and aging. Starting with some basic physiology, Dr. Fotuhi explained that with aging, the brain’s hippocampus – shaped like a small sea horse and responsible for short-term memory – shrinks by about 0.5% per year after age 50. That’s hardly an insignificant loss when added up over a decade or more. Factors that can contribute to shrinkage are:

• Diabetes and hypertension, uncontrolled
• Obesity
• Stroke
• Sleep Apnea, uncontrolled
• Stress
• Concussion
• Depression

What steps can we take to improve blood flow to the brain and help prevent or reverse this shrinkage? Dr. Fotuhi advises taking clear – and doable – steps, with some examples, to turn things around. While these tips will not reverse memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s disease, they can help make our brains “younger:”

1. Get fit. Walking a mile a day five times per week can make a positive difference in just a few weeks. If knees hurt, try walking in a swimming pool.
2. Tease your memory. Memorize things; for example, learn one or two names a day. Study something new.
3. Eat well and add DHA, specifically omega-3 fatty acid, to your diet. Eat a heart-healthy diet to increase blood flow to the brain.
4. Sleep. A full night of rest every night works miracles.
5. Relax your mind. Stress can be toxic and rarely solves problems. Try meditation.

“The brain is forgiving and can bounce back, “says Dr. Fotuhi encouragingly. Never say you’re too old to make changes; be positive and show confidence!

Snow, Ice, & Frigid Winds Heap New Challenges on Caregivers

The perils and discomfort of winter weather are fodder for the nightly news, but they present a whole different issue for caregivers of individuals with dementia. The caregiver’s task of having to come up with activities to fill the day now becomes one of limiting activities to those done indoors. An often resultant malady called cabin fever, courtesy of snow and ice, can make the day feel endless.

The Alzheimer’s Association has a few tips to help caregivers weather the storms:

1. When planning activities, think about how the person for whom you are caring historically enjoyed spending his or her time.
2. Adjust these activities so they are doable and safe, while also meaningful for the person with dementia and caregiver alike.
3. It is important not to infantilize the person by asking  them to do activities which may be below their current level of functioning.
4. When engaging in an activity, minimize distractions. Turn off the television and your cell phone.
5. Be present with the person during the activity. Give  the person you’re caring for your undivided attention, which will feel good for you both.

The Internet, of course, provides innumerable suggestions for indoor activity, but I just found a site, Elder One Stop, that offers ideas that go beyond “the usual.” Check it out at http://www.elder-one-stop.com/dementia-activities.html.

Posted by Patty Hagen, Director of Memory Care Programs, Charles E. Smith Life Communities