Spring is finally here!

Spring is finally here!  Those of us who live in colder climates have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring.  Although it snowed here is Ohio just a few days ago, it looks like we will be seeing green grass and a few buds on the trees for Easter.  In fact, my daffodils are beginning to show their heads.  This is a wonderful time to get outside with a loved one who has dementia and enjoy the sights and sounds that spring has to offer.  Many of us are more sedentary in the winter and welcome the opportunity to stretch our stiff muscles.  Now is the perfect opportunity to being a daily walking program.  With your doctor’s permission of course, begin by walking 10-15 minutes a day for the first week and gradually increase that to 30 minutes each day.

Exercise helps the body release hormones that make us feel great and aid in providing a nourishing environment for the growth of brain cells.  We know that physical exercise is crucial for maintaining good blood flow to the brain, reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes, but it also helps protect against the risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
What some of the recent research says:
• Recent research from UCLA demonstrated that exercise increased growth factors in the brain- making it easier for the brain to grow new neuronal connections.
• According to a study done by the Department of Exercise Science at the University of Georgia, even briefly exercising for 20 minutes facilitates information processing and memory functions.
• A new study conducted by researchers at the Center for Brain Health at The University of Texas at Dallas found that engaging in a physical exercise program helps healthy aging adults improve their memory, brain health and physical fitness.
• A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine Regular found that aerobic exercise seems to boost the size of the hippocampus, which is involved in verbal memory and learning.

Besides keeping our body healthy, walking outside is a great mental stress reliever.  You can use the time to relax, clear your head, and enjoy what nature has to offer.  Walking can be a great social activity too.  Ask friends, neighbors, or other families who are living with dementia to form a walking group with you.  Begin by meeting at the same place and time once a week to enjoy each other’s support and camaraderie.  Often when people come together to exercise, they are more motivated to stick with it because they know other people are counting on them and they enjoy the social aspect of the event.  So get outside, enjoy spring, and get walking-your body and brain will love you for it!

© 2014 Jennifer Brush, do not reprint or distribute without permission.

Create a Memory Center in Your Home

Rather than putting excess demands on the impaired memory of someone with dementia, help the person by compensating for cognitive changes.  Find a spot in your home that is centrally located, or a spot where you often spend time.  Take down wall decor, clear up the clutter and create a memory center in your home that is easily noticed.  With practice, it will be the “go to” place for all important information such as the time, date, list of things to do, daily schedule, visitors for the day, etc.  One thing to keep in mind is that many people have the tendency to make this area very cluttered with post it notes, lists, photos, etc.  The memory center needs to provide just the needed information and that’s it.

Items to place in your memory center:

• Large, easy to read digital clock or a large analog clock with a white face and black numbers.  Look for an analog clock with Arabic numbers as they are easier to read than Roman numerals.  If you aren’t sure which to choose (digital or analog), pick the type of clock that your loved one is used to using.  
• Simple, large wall calendar with minimal designs or pictures.  Make sure to cross off the completed day at bedtime.  Office supply stores have memo boards with dry erase surfaces that already have a place for a calendar and place for notes or the schedule of the day.
• Telephone.  There are many phones available on the market that are designed for older adults.  Phones with large buttons are ideal for people with low vision or limited fine motor abilities. There are also phones with memory buttons that can be preprogrammed and dialed with the touch of just one button. This is ideal for people with mild memory problems. Picture phones have room for a picture of the person next to the memory dial button. This is best for people with significant memory issues or limited literacy.
• Notebook and pens.
• Emergency information.  Ambulance, fire and police station numbers should be posted in large print.  In addition, health information about the person with dementia should be posted in a place for emergency personnel to easily locate it.

The emergency form should contain the following information:
• Name of physician
• Primary health diagnoses (including dementia)
• List of medications
• List of allergies
• Health insurance numbers or copy of insurance card
• Name and phone number of one or two friends or relatives to contact
Make it part of your daily routine to go to the memory center several times a day with your loved one who has cognitive impairment.  Show the person the schedule, notes etc. and ask the person to read them.  Help the person to develop a new habit of checking the memory center whenever he or she would like to know the events for the day.  This will help to reduce anxiety and reassure your loved one.

© 2014 Jennifer Brush, do not reprint or distribute without permission.