Stay Sharp Memory Kits

harshedbuzz

I got the following press release from my county library.

New additions to our collection!

Have a loved one who deserves to keep their memories bright and their mind sharp? Check out our new Stay Sharp Memory Kits!

Stay Sharp Memory Kits

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that nearly 6.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Dementia. Alzheimer’s is a type of brain disease just as coronary artery disease is a type of heart disease and it begins 20 years or more before the memory loss symptoms develop.

Alzheimer’s has both drug treatments and non-drug treatments. It is important to note that non-drug treatments do not change the underlying biology of the disease but focus on the goal of improving cognitive function, quality of life, and the ability to perform activities of daily living. These include physical and memory exercises.

To help families and caregivers who are faced with a loved one who is experiencing memory loss, we are offering new kits created by Penworthy that contains books and activities designed for patients, family, caregivers, and friends to help maintain these important social and mental activities. Six different kits are available for a three week loan. Kits can be placed on hold and sent to your local branch.

Six different subject kits are available for a three week loan: 

• History Buffs:WWII
• On the Road Again
• Trees
• Things that fly: Birds and Butterflies
• Discover the United States
• Sports : Baseball

Each kit comes with a book on a particular subject, 2-4 activities that can be done with someone or a small group, and an activity that can be done alone. For example, the Trees kit includes trees of world flashcards, tree bingo, a Japanese maple puzzle, and a wooden tile matching game. The Discover US kit comes with a USA map jigsaw puzzle, National Park postcards, and conversation starter cards. 

For more information about dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, check the library catalog.

The Alzheimer’s Association has a local Delaware Valley chapter and you can find more information here or calling the helpline at 800.272.3900.

harshedbuzz

This is a description of one of the kits. I was kind of surprised that it includes a book I bought for my son with ASD years ago as it related to his special interest in trains and all things transportation.

This might be worth looking for at your library as an activity for your PWD. We have a great library system here; they even have Joy For All Pets they loan out if you want to try one. I recall my aunt's MCF using this same series of Dorling Kindersley books as a basis of an activity for their residents.

Kit - 1 paperback book, 1 car shaped board, 15 game pieces, 34 challenge cards, 35 puzzle pieces, 36 cards, 1 wooden conversation dice, 24 hobby tiles ; in gusseted tote 43 x 16 x 35 cm

• Subject
• Dementia ; Patients ; Recreation, Alzheimer's disease ; Patients ; Recreation, Sensory stimulation, Perceptual-motor learning, Games, Puzzles, Nonbook collection
• Contents
• 1 book: DK Eyewitness Train --1 Road Trip Packing Puzzle -- 1 Road Trip Jigsaw Puzzle -- 1 Category Snap Card Game -- 1 Hobbies Conversation Game.; Revisit the wonders of traveling in this One the Road Again: Travel Kit. This kit features a DK Eyewitness Train book, Road Trip Packing Puzzle, Road Trip Jigsaw Puzzle, Category Snap Card Game, and Hobbies Conversation Game. The first two activities are perfect for achieving a sense of accomplishment and independence, while reinforcing the connection between the brain cells and improving mental speed. The second two activities encourage creative thinking and has a positive effect on cognition by stimulating the mind and memory

 

mommyandme (m&m)

Thanks HB!

Iris L.

I do puzzles every days, not as a way to improve or event to maintain function, but rather as a way of monitoring my status. As long as I can solve the puzzles in the same amount of time, I know that I am all right.

Focusing on recall is not part of stimulating the brain from Best Practices. Learning new things or doing things a different way is supposed to be a significant activity. What I chose to do is learn a new language and to learn computer skills, which are always changing. You will notice that one of the primary characteristics of dementia is an inability to learn new things, or to adapt to a new environment. So playing games and puzzles can be useful to a "normal" person, but will exhibit impairments in a PWD.

When I was a child I was told that doing eye exercises would improve my vision. But no amount of eye exercises could improve my severe myopia or prevent me from needing progressively stronger lenses over the years. My point is, do games if you want to, but don't rely on them to change the course of dementia.

Iris

harshedbuzz

@Iris L.

Thank you for your thoughtful reply. I was kind of thinking along the lines you stated here.

That said, I could see certain people who are looking for an activity they can set their LO up with to find a ready-made kit helpful.

At auntie's MCF, they used similar picture books to engage small groups of residents in a kind of circle time for elders. The day I was there, a handful of men were sitting on the patio with an aide looking at a vintage auto book and talking about their first cars. They seemed to be enjoying themselves.

HB

Iris L.

My neurologist recommended Posit Science to me, because it has evidenced-based, peer-reviewed articles that show improvement in brain function. When I performed the exercises, it was done under the auspices of a licensed adult education teacher at an adult school. Although now it can be purchased online. I noticed significant improvement in my brain function which was corroborated by neurocognitive testing. Keep in mind that I do not have AD. After very poor function in my ADLs, I was able to function independently, drive, and travel overseas. I did Posit Science exercises for about two years.

I would encourage anyone who is concerned about brain function due to medical conditions to discuss Posit Science with their neurologist.

Iris