Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and affects nearly 5.5 million Americans. Scientists don’t yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease though it is likely a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Since the cause is unknown, prevention isn’t guaranteed, however, according to the Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation, in addition to living a generally healthy lifestyle, mental stimulation is one of the best ways to help prevent or delay the effects of the disease.
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), older adults who received as few as ten sessions of mental training improved their cognitive functioning in daily activities and saw short-term and long-term mental improvements.
Five ways to stimulate your brain
- Learn something new – Take up a new hobby and schedule regular times for practicing. Reading the newspaper or a good book is also a great way to keep your brain stimulated.
- Raise the bar – If you’re not up to learning anything new, challenge yourself and your brain by increasing your current skill or knowledge of something you already do.
- Practice memorization – Start with short memorizations and then scale them up. You can create rhymes and patterns to strengthen your memory connections.
- Enjoy strategy games, puzzles, and riddles – Do a crossword puzzle, play board games, cards, or word and number games like Scrabble or Sudoku. Brain teasers and strategy games provide a great mental workout and build your capacity to form and retain cognitive associations.
- Follow the road less traveled – Step out of the default. Take a new route, try a new place, try eating or brushing your teeth with the opposite hand. Vary your habits to create new pathways.
Twin Lakes Community is a continued care retirement community (CCRC) in Burlington, North Carolina that caters to seniors who are interested in independent living; however, as a CCRC, we offer all levels of higher care, including care for those living with dementia. Living with dementia calls for a setting that offers a unique combination of innovative programs, dedicated staff, and a soothing environment. A true home for residents with dementia, Moneta Springs Memory Care residence at Twin Lakes allows them to experience life in an engaged, active, secure way. For more information about Life at the Lakes or to schedule a tour, contact us at (336) 538-1572 or Jennifer.stovall@twinlakescomm.org.
