Are you concerned about your memory?
Forgetfulness is a normal part of aging - we all go upstairs and then forget what we came up for, and this sort of forgetfulness can get a lot more prominent in times of stress. It is important for clinicians working in the field of memory loss and cognitive impairment to tease apart what is a normal part of the aging process and what might be the signs of a greater problem.
Indeed, dementia is the most feared illness amongst those aged over 50. There is currently a huge amount of research taking place that provides hope for people affected by dementia, and new medications for Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment are being tested all around the world. While in the past there was little we could do to prevent it happening or to treat it, there is now cause for cautious optimism. However, there are also things we can do ourselves to help - whether you have been diagnosed with dementia, are experiencing memory difficulties or know someone with dementia, there are important activities you can do this summer to help.
Go out for the day
Staying inside for too long is unhealthy for anyone and going outside is a good way to get away from the stresses of everyday life and refresh your mind. For people with dementia, it is particularly good to visit places of great significance and familiarity. Long-term memory stays intact for longer than short-term memory, therefore, familiar locations can provide a great source of joy and comfort for people suffering from the disease.
Community
Regular engagement in social activities such as meeting with friends for a chat, joining clubs and societies, provides brain stimulation.
Hobbies
Sharing hobbies with your loved ones is a great way for people to bond, particularly with younger members of the family and can help children understand how they help a relative with dementia. Activities such as reminiscing over photo albums, baking, gardening, arts and crafts and playing favourite family board games are activities that everyone can enjoy together. Doing fun activities is important as it helps to reduce feelings of sadness, irritability and anxiety, and also stimulates the mind, engaging everyone involved in a shared goal.
Sports
There are a great number of benefits to exercise, not just physically but mentally and socially as well. A further benefit to doing exercise for a person with dementia is that it can be easily implemented into a routine which will help them with day-to-day orientation. Current research suggests that routine is very helpful for people with dementia as it orientates them to time and location, which becomes increasingly difficult as the illness progresses. Some examples of exercise that everyone can take part in are: a daily 15-minute walk, a twice-weekly gym session, badminton, tennis, swimming, dancing and cricket. The socialisation involved in sports stimulates the brain, as can the act of strategizing and co-ordinating actions.
The first case of dementia was diagnosed in 1906 and we have come a long way in 111 years. There is hope for people affected by dementia due to increased efforts in dementia research. If you or someone you know is concerned about memory or is interested in getting involved in dementia research, see your GP or contact Re:Cognition Health, a team of cognitive experts and clinicians who offer access to detailed brain function testing, and in some cases new treatments, which offer a glimmer of hope for delaying or preventing dementia.
Leanne Timings
Re:Cognition Health
01752 875604