It’s too hot to work out your body (at least it is outside), so why not focus on your brain? Brain health is vital to prevent and improve memory problems, as well as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
In Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age by Sanjay Gupta, MD, is a guide for anyone, no matter their age, to start preventing cognitive decline. He believes that a combination of exercise, continuing education, quality sleep and relaxation, smart eating, and being a part of a community can set the stage for a healthy brain. The book discusses what things we thought would help might not be effective (ex. crossword puzzles, Sudoku) and what truly is effective (ex. having one-on-one conversations).
Annie Fenn, MD, author of The Brain Kitchen Health: Preventing Alzheimer’s Through Food, believes that you can impact your brain health by watching what you eat. She talks about what Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are and why food is such a great way to stop them in their tracks. Her theory is that some form of a Mediterranean Diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, seafood, whole grains, beans, and legumes, creates less brain shrinkage as we age.
What else can one do to prevent cognitive decline?
AARP has published a useful Memory Activity Book to help slow decline in people who are starting to notice memory loss, as well as those already diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. They detail 70 different activities. Here are some of the highlights:
- Recording your life story – You can record your oral history in our sound studio.
- Singing along to your favorite songs – Ukulele Strum and Sing is every fourth Thursday at 6:30pm. No ukulele? No problem. Check one out from the library.
- Crafting – Every second Thursday at 6:00pm we host Coloring Club. We’ve got sophisticated coloring books and lots and lots of colored pencils. It’s a great way to relax and work the creative side of your brain.
- Container gardening – The first Thursday of every month at 7:00pm we have Plant Adopt or Swap. Bring in a houseplant you don’t want anymore and trade it in for something new.
- Drawing a family tree – Genealogy is a great hobby. On August 19 at 6:00pm, we’ll be presenting Genealogy for Beginners: Find A Grave and BillionGraves.
- Learning a new skill – Would you like to learn how to create a beautiful diorama? Join us for Diorama-rama on August 24 at 2:00pm.
If you or someone you love are experiencing memory loss, please attend our Memory Cafe program, every third Thursday at 10:30am. It’s an informal gathering of people with memory loss and their caregivers. We sing songs, do crafts, and learn about different subjects, such as backyard birds and visiting the beach.
Have questions or need help finding ways to improve your brain health? Contact the reference desk at [email protected] or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150.