How to Preserve Life Skills in People with Memory Loss
Medical research shows that when people keep their minds active, their thinking skills are less likely to decline. The same is true for people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias; stimulating the mind, along with physical activity, good nutrition, and socialization, can help preserve it. Roxy Tietz, LPN, Director of our Adult Day Program, works with people with memory loss five days a week, so she’s totally tuned into how to preserve their life skills. We turned to Roxy for her expertise.
Exercise
Although exercise won’t cure memory loss, it can improve a person’s mood, confidence, and self-esteem, all contributing to slowing the progression. It especially helps those in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s disease live more independent lives. People who exercise regularly are less stressed, anxious, and depressed. Even in the later stages of Alzheimer’s, stronger muscles can help someone do more for themselves. Physical activity also helps them maintain muscle strength and coordination.
Aerobic exercise boosts blood flow to the parts of the brain that deal with memory and can be done standing up or in a chair. It also eases depression and anxiety and improves mood. Anything that makes the heart beat faster counts!
Roxy says, “In the Catholic Eldercare Adult Day program and across our continuum of care, we strive to keep people moving to maintain muscle strength and stimulate blood flow for health and wellness.”
Take a Walk
Walking can help improve memory and thinking skills. A daily jaunt is a great way to add structure and routine to a person’s life. Those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s should be able to walk longer than those in later stages. Bring a buddy, take the dog, or listen to music to keep it fun.
“Memory care residents move freely about the 3rd floor of the Albert J. Hofstede Care Center and participate in daily activities,” Roxy says. “The same is true for our adult day participants. They move freely within our secure location, their home during the day. We also go outside for walks in a neighboring park and travel to Har Mar Mall in Roseville to get our steps in when the weather is bad.”
Get in the Garden
Gardening is a great way to stay active outside. It also stimulates the senses, creates a sense of purpose, and can be a rich source of memories for people who love plants. Time in the garden can soothe stress and lower blood pressure
“Catholic Eldercare is grateful for the gift of St. Anthony Garden,” Roxy says. “It’s a place where residents, families, staff, and our adult day participants go to get fresh air, rejuvenate, and find peace.”
Practice Good Nutrition
Alzheimer’s disease, inflammation, and insulin resistance injure neurons and inhibit communication between brain cells. According to HelpGuide.org, Alzheimer’s has been described as “diabetes of the brain,” and a growing body of research suggests a strong link between metabolic disorders and the signal-processing systems of the brain.
Sugary foods and refined carbohydrates like white flour, white rice, and pasta can lead to dramatic spikes in blood sugar that inflame the brain. Look for hidden sugar in all kinds of packaged foods, from cereals and bread to pasta sauce and low or no-fat products.
Roxy says, “Our food service staff pays close attention to presenting healthy foods to our adult day participants and residents of Catholic Eldercare.”
Socialize and plan activities
Human beings are highly social creatures. We don’t thrive in isolation, and neither do our brains. People with Alzheimer’s and related dementias need regular face-to-face connections with someone who cares about them and makes them feel heard.
“When it comes to activities, focus on familiar things people enjoy like playing games, doing puzzles, and other activities can help slow the progression of memory loss,” Roxy recommends.
“These are things we do across Catholic Eldercare. We also have a vibrant music therapy program. Adult day participants and residents sing songs from the most memorable times in their lives, and it’s amazing to watch people with memory loss sing all the lyrics that are clearly etched in their minds.”
Retain as much independence as possible
People with early and middle-stage dementia can still be independent. Focus on their strengths and allow them to do as much as possible, like getting dressed, making meal decisions, setting the table, and choosing where they would like to sit.
“This is a tough one because the tendency is to want to help out of love, and it can be a lot easier to take care of it yourself,” Roxy explains. “Honor your loved one by helping them preserve their independence.
At Catholic Eldercare, we love deeply and support instinctively. We provide opportunities for independent living and maintaining physical and emotional health and wellness for people with memory loss. We invite you to reach out if you would like more information.