A 2019 Guide To Alzheimer's and Dementia

The publisher of A 2019 Guide to Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Julie Schumer, shared this article with us.  It discusses the possible causes and risk factors.

This article is a great resource.

Staying Healthy In Your Home

Here is a great article about aging in place!Staying Home As You Age

Happy Mother's Day To All!

I had a great day with grandma today!  We played Rummy, and made up our own rules.  It was a lot of fun. I then taught grandma how to play Roblox.  It was totally new experience for Grandma.  I helped her create an Avatar (which is like a representation of someone on a video game). It was a new experience. Grandma had a blast!  Lastly we had sushi for dinner.  I hope everyone was able to spend some time with their loved one. 

Tips

1. Do not worry about the rules when playing a game with a dementia patient. During Rummy, grandma mixed up many of the rules. It did NOT matter. We had fun, and made up our own game.

2. Try to do something different or new with your family member. We played with Roblox. Grandma was mesmerized. She thought is was so cool!  I did not need her to remember anything. I just showed her what the Avatars look like and how to design them. It was an artistic activity, that we both loved.

3. Eat something new. Grandma never grew up eating sushi.  I think if grandma did not have Alzheimer's she probably would not want to eat raw fish. However, with dementia she was more willing to try it!  I guess it is a weird blessing!  I love sushi!  We both enjoyed California rolls and masago, which are fish eggs.

Hidden Heroes Segment

I am so excited!  My grandma and I were featured on WABC TV Eyewitness News in their Hidden Heroes segment!  Here is the link  Hidden Heroes,

I will post more info tomorrow!

Music Memory

I saw an interesting segment on the news last night. It discussed how music is very beneficial to Alzheimer's patients. In fact there are sections in the brain (the medial temporal lobe) which remains preserved from the damaging effects of Alzheimer's disease.  Also the functional mode network (FMN) which connects sections of the brain, works better and may be improved when listening to familiar music.  What music did your family member enjoy?  Burn the songs onto a CD, or MP3 player, print the lyrics and sing with your loved one!  It doesn't matter if you cannot carry a tune!  It will really help their brain, and will improve your mood as well!  Music and Memory

Repeated Exposure To Familiar Music Alters Functional Connectivity In Alzheimer's

Our Puzzle Time Program in Massachusetts!