Posts filed under 'Purpose. Connection & Spirit'
Memories Fade, But Emotions Remain
One of the biggest concerns for Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers is the worry that visits from loved ones don’t matter, that the memory loss robs them of the kindnesses, comforts and care that their friends and family try to offer them. Patients hate the idea that they’ll lose the knowledge of those they love, and caregivers fear that their efforts are pointless exercises.
But a new study suggests that those visits and small kindnesses definitely matter – because even when the direct memory of the visit fades, the warm feelings from it remain.
Add comment May 7, 2010
Staying Active: At Age 77, Alzheimer’s Patient Plans To Explore Loch Ness… By Canoe!
I love people who refuse to give up on their brains. According to a story in Scotland’s Inverness Courier, Mr. John Forsyth, age 77, certainly seems to qualify as one of those fighting spirits.
You see, Mr. Forsyth has been diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer’s. And yet, this May, he plans to spend a little more than 3 days paddling his canoe around Scotland’s famous Loch Ness, about a 50 mile excursion. He’ll be sticking close to the shore, hoping to get close to the native wildlife, and camping at night.
According to the Courier Article, he’s well aware of the risks, and has said “My problems could be the weather, the wind or the sun. I could get heat or sun stroke and there is also my friend Nessie!” (more…)
3 comments April 27, 2010
"I Remember Better When I Paint": A DVD about the Arts and Alzheimer’s
I have a passion for creative expression and the arts, so when a reader (Hi Donald!) pointed me towards this trailer, I clapped my little hands with glee. It’s narrated by the marvelous Olivia de Havilland, whose voice lends an extra layer of depth and beauty to the project.
The idea behind the film? Creative workshops, museum trips, and classes that allow hands on artistic expression are being effectively used as therapies for patients with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The artistic process taps into parts of the brain largely untouched by Alzheimer’s, not only allowing the patients a means of expression, but also forming a bridge of communication with loved ones and caregivers.
1 comment March 16, 2010
Can Finding Purpose In Life Help Defend Against Alzheimer’s? A New Study Says Yes.
If you look in the sidebar of this blog, among the keys to brain fitness is one entitled “Purpose, Connection & Spirit” but I’ve not written too much on the “purpose” part. Purpose and meaning is a topic I feel strongly about – and I believe that finding and making life meaningful helps us to live longer, contribute more, and keep our minds clear and functional.
But I sometimes shy away from writing on the subject here.
Why shy away? I try to base the posts here on science, whenever possible, and there’s just not a lot of research being done on the cognitive impact of finding meaning in life. There’s been research on how a sense of purpose can lead to longer lives, happier lives, better mental and physical health – but little that could directly tie it to brain fitness.
But a new study just came out, specifically addressing the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease, and feeling that our life has meaning and purpose – and they did, indeed, find a positive relationship.
1 comment March 4, 2010
Serving Your Community: Another Path To Brain Fitness?
Seniors are frequent beneficiaries of volunteer organizations, from groups like Meals on Wheels, to home visitation programs.
But new research suggests new ways that older adults can benefit from the other side of volunteer efforts: offering their help to others through volunteer programs may help preserve and improve their cognitive function, and ward off mental declines.
So what’s this research?
Add comment December 29, 2009
12 Days of Brain Fitness Christmas
Forgive me this little indulgence… It’s Christmas Eve, and I couldn’t resist. Feel free to sing along, and/or throw things at me. Ahem!
On the first day of Brain Fitness
My true love gave to me,
Brain training For neuro-plasticity!
On the second day of Brain Fitness
My true love gave to me,
Two power naps,
And brain training for neuro-plasticity! (more…)
1 comment December 24, 2009
Think Old Age = Poor Memory? Think Again, For Your Own Memory’s Sake
Stereotypes about seniors and poor memory are cemented in our cultural views - so strongly cemented that even young people jokingly refer to misplaced car keys as “senior moments”.
But buying into these stereotypes may help make them reality, according to research from North Carolina State University.
The study found that seniors who believe older adults have poorer memories and would perform poorly on memory tests did, indeed, perform poorly, while seniors who didn’t believe that aging and failing minds are connected did significantly better on the same test.
Add comment October 29, 2009
Of Art, Alzheimer’s & Neuroplasticity
Alzheimer’s disease tragically destroys functions in the brain, hindering access to memory, language, and communication skills. But sometimes, unexpected creativity can blossom in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
They may find self expression in abstract arrangements of found objects, like Josephine Mickow (who, sadly, passed away in her daughter’s arms this month), or benefit from more formalized programs that take them to museums, or classes that help them paint, draw, or sculpt.
1 comment October 27, 2009
Making Life Meaningful At Any Age
One of the biggest challenges facing us as we age are the changes in our sense of purpose. The children are grown, there are no more PTA meetings to attend, we no longer punch in our time clocks or dart from business meeting to business meeting.
Whether it’s Empty-Nest Syndrome or the Retiree Blues, it’s easy to find ourselves floundering as our lives change, and the meaning which has driven us for decades falls away. When we reach the place of thinking “Why am I doing this, what’s the point?” we’re tumbling towards depression – and that’s a risky place to be, when it comes to having a healthy and well brain.
Add comment September 8, 2009
Religious Rites: Good for the Brain? And What About Atheists?
Some of the most revealing research in brain health has come from studies of religious communities: Catholic Nuns and Buddhist Monks. And some of the results have been surprising – their practices of faith (including intensive prayers, contemplation and meditation) appear to affect their brain profoundly, changing blood flow, brainwave states, encouraging neural growth, and protecting the health of their brain against some of the effects of stress and aging. But is the benefit because of their faith, or because of the rituals associated with their faith?
Can people of other belief systems (or no belief systems) still find benefit through adapting the practices? Neuroscientist Andrew Newberg, author of “How God Changes Your Brain” thinks the answer is yes. He believes that even atheists can benefit from the focus on calm concentration, contemplation and compassion found in religious practices.
Add comment August 18, 2009
