keeping your brain sharp strategies , activities and …...attitude of gratitude & forgiveness...

Keeping Your Brain Sharp Strategies, Activities and

Program Ideas

COMMUNICATION CONNECTION

Kathryn Kilpatrick, M.A.

www.connectionsincommunication.com www.memoryfitnessmatters.com

Speech and Language Pathologist

Geriatric Life Enhancement Consultant Memory Fitness Specialist

[email protected]

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http://www.memoryfitnessmatters.com/

mailto:[email protected]

Where to Start Explain the importance of engaging your brain Learn ways participants engage their minds now What were their interests years ago What interests them now Program provides opportunities to ◦ socialize ◦ explore new activities ◦ learn new things ◦ challenge their brains ◦ participate or just observe

www.memoryfitnessmatters.com 2016 Kathryn Kilpatrick M.A. CCC/SLP 2

Challenges Different levels of functioning ◦ Hearing ◦ Vision ◦ Speech ◦ Cognition ◦ Education ◦ Physically

Personalities Attention span Format of program


Components of a program Education about keys to memory fitness Encourage questions about aging and memory

challenges – bring in expert Types of activities to support brain health Strategies to help with memory Humor – stories, jokes, internet (babies, animals

etc.) Informational tidbits Inspirational stories Stress reduction activities - mindfulness Links to interesting topics: visually interesting

scenery – reminiscence etc.


Physical Environment Change in locations ??? Distractions are NOT your friend Late comers Logistics – tables or not, walkers, wheel

chairs Tables or not Handouts and size print Presentation format options


SUGGESTIONS MEMORY FITNESS PROGRAMS

PowerPoint can make it more visible ◦ Consider using a pointer

Make sure print size is adequate

Encourage hard of hearing to sit in the

front row or those visually challenged

Offer copies of tips in program

Consider passing out worksheets later ◦ Post answers


INCORPORATE MEMORY BASICS

□ Assess overall attitude about memory loss

□ Improve ability to pay attention and focus

□ Assess your lifestyle choices

□ Develop effective memory props

□ Stay connected with others and socialize

□ Create stress reduction strategies

□ Upgrade your brain aerobics program www.memoryfitnessmatters.com 2016 Kathryn Kilpatrick M.A. CCC/SLP 7

FILL IN THE MISSING VOWELS

L __ __ r n __ n g __s __

t r __ __ s __ r __ w h __ c h

__ c c __ m p __ n __ __ s

__ t s __ w n __r

__ v __ r y w h __ r __.

CHINESE PROVERB


ATTITUDE ….. FACTS

Attitude research – impacts your health Start and end your day with a positive

thought If you find yourself going into a negative

mind set, try to adjust it Do not let your mind become occupied

with negative chatter Stress contributes to memory problems

“Life is the sum of what you focus on.”

Winifred Gallagher


PAYING ATTENTION ….. FACTS

Key to memory fitness Eliminate distractions Need to focus for 5 -10 seconds If your attention wanders, bring it back Ask for repetitions Write down information Repeat – repeat – repeat Verify information


The true art of memory

is the art of attention.

Samuel Johnson


LIFESTYLE CHOICES ….. FACTS

Nutrition ◦ What is good for your heart is good for your brain ◦ Take your dietary restrictions seriously ◦ Make sure there is adequate water intake

Sleep - what pattern might need changing? Exercise - gets the oxygen to your brain Falls and balance assessment Medications need to be taken as prescribed Reduce your exposure to toxins in the environment If you are taking any supplements, make sure to

inform your physician


MEMORY STRATEGIES ….. FACTS Find frequently used items a home

□ When you reorganize, make a list of new locations

Repeat - repeat – repeat Visualize Create a system that works

□ Revise as needed

Write it down □ Make sure to include enough information


SOCIALIZATION …. FACTS

Key to successful aging

Enhances connection

May be helpful when depressed

Promotes conversation and thinking skills

Alleviates boredom

Challenges your brain

Keeps you connected


SOCIALIZATION

ENLARGE YOUR EXPERIENCE

FAMILY ____________________________________________

FRIENDS ___________________________________________

COMMUNITY _______________________________________

ORGANIZATIONS ___________________________________

CLASSES ___________________________________________

SPIRITUAL _________________________________________

ONLINE ___________________________________________

One way to get the most out of life is to look upon it as an adventure. William Feather


STRESS MANAGEMENT….. FACTS

When stressed, cortisol is released It is like battery acid to the memory

center of your brain When on overload, worried, in pain,

depressed or grieving, can increase stress and reduce ability to remember

Stress relief: try exercise, meditation and laughter. www.memoryfitnessmatters.com 2016

Kathryn Kilpatrick M.A. CCC/SLP 16

WALKING THE PATH


CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN….. FACTS

Take your current activity and upgrade it Do something with your other hand Take a new route when walking or driving Hear new word or name of a place – look it up Try something new – have someone teach you Find a new and interesting activity and put it

on your schedule Introduce yourself to someone you do not

know Retell information about something your read

or heard www.memoryfitnessmatters.com 2016 Kathryn Kilpatrick M.A. CCC/SLP 18

INCORPORATE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES FOR BRAIN FITNESS

Need to think while doing the activity Playing cards Doing puzzles and word games

Do a familiar activity a new way Walk and drive a different route Eat your meal backwards Use your other hand

Ongoing learning process New pastimes Study a subject or topic of interest


MORE AREAS TO CONSIDER

Makes you think in a new way Learn a new dance step or game Present the opposite opinion

Physical activity Do a new form of exercise Do it with a group

Socially interactive Group trips, take a class, join a book club


UPGRADE YOUR BRAIN FITNESS ROUTINE

Reading ◦ Different topics ◦ Read aloud ◦ Summarize what read

Playing Cards ◦ Different types or partners ◦ Teach someone how to play ◦ Use other hand

Puzzles ◦ Use other hand ◦ Vary the routine


WHAT ABOUT SUCCESSFUL AGING

□ Attitude of gratitude & forgiveness □ Upgrade memory fitness routine

□ Keep active and socialize □ Do not lose it: Use it!!

□ Learn something new each month □ Do something that makes you think

□ Be open to the opinions of others □ Be curious □ Refuse to be bored □ Share something you learned □ Bring someone along – friend or family


POSITIVE WORDS

A H O V B I P W C J Q X D K R Y E L S Z F M T G N U


ORGANIZE by category

BUTTER APPLES PAPER

TOWELS CRACKERS ORANGES WINDEX PRETZELS YOGURT

Strategies

What works for you?

Lists

Location in store Categories

24 www.memoryfitnessmatters.com 2016 Kathryn Kilpatrick M.A. CCC/SLP

HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS

B l _ _ b _ r r _ _

s S p _ n _ c h S _ l m _ n W _ t _ r Q _ _ n _ _ B r _ c c _ l _

YOUR CHOICES • • • • •

Try something new this week


YOUR MEMORY PLAN FOR PAYING ATTENTION

Just eat a meal without the TV, phone or

reading Give a person your undivided attention Learn something new each day – share it Notice the details of everyday things Browse through a new store for an item Create a strategy to handle distractions Be curious and ask questions Slow your pace and notice what surrounds

you


CENTURY IN REVIEW


WHAT DO YOU RECALL?

What was the name of the popular program?

Who launched Sputnik? Which product became more popular –

margarine or butter? ----------------------------------------------------- Television Outer Space Groceries


Which One Not on the 1957 List?

Electric typewriter Compact car Hula Hoops Frisbee Computers Sack dress Darvon


GESTURE

Brushing your teeth Eating an ice cream

cone Driving a car Buttoning your coat Turning on the TV Washing your face

Airplane Toothpick Scissors Headache Pills Belt Eyeglasses


ALPHABETICAL ORDER

Cleveland Miami Akron

Flowers Rain Gardens

Lunch Breakfast Dinner

Grateful Thirsty Hungry Happy


RECALLING PEOPLES NAMES


Do you avoid people because you do not know their name?

Add a picture of 3 people and tell a story about them

Come back later to see if recall name or a fact

Introduce those with birthdays Learn some interesting facts about them Post pictures – encourage conversations Provide tips about recall name

CREATE STRATEGIES

Memorize a list

apples

paper towels

sugar

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

carrots

baking soda

detergent

potting soil

Remember these

Rain

Pediatrician

Coffee

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --

Train

Neighbor

Puddle

Shoes


INCORPORATE NEW WAYS

TO CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN

Supports the recommendation of creating a positive attitude

Relieves boredom Makes you a more interesting person Supports brain health Enhances the quality of your day Improves self esteem Connects you with new interests and people Increases the possibility of having a good

time


NAMING

Fruits A________ B__________ C________ D__________ Foreign Languages F__________ G ________ H _________ I_________ Baked Goods B_________ C__________ D_________ E__________


MATCH COLUMNS

Puerto ______ Wayne Fort ________ Rushmore Mount ______ Rico Long ________ England New ________ Island

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www.memoryfitnessmatters.com 2016 Kathryn Kilpatrick M.A. CCC/SLP

TALK AROUND IT

What type of thing is it? What is it used for? What does it do? Where do you find it? What does it look like? What does it remind you of?


NAMING

Restaurants in the area Magazines you have read Small electrical appliances Hobbies people enjoy


THERMOS

What words can you think of to get someone to guess the word above?

CANNOT USE Could Use

Bottle container Hot boiling Cold frigid Drinks beverage

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HOW MANY CAN YOU NAME??

• Animals • Last names • States that border a body of water • Things larger than a suitcase • Places you would like to visit • Things that are in your garage • Streets within a mile of your home • Countries in Europe

Memory Fitness Matters 2015

Make up a sentence VISUALIZE AND REPEAT IT

SISTER ASTRONAUT

BOUGHT MOVIE


RECALL PERSON’S NAME Pay attention Ask for a repetition – spelling - nickname Link it to your long term memory Create a name rhyme Notice..notice Ask questions and be curious Use it in the conversation Repeat it at the end Use memory props

Lists Word picture combo 2 word choices Name tags


DID YOU KNOW?? 1. In the U.S., hurricanes have been given names

since 1953 2. It began with women’s names 3. In 1979 they started using men’ names also 4. There are 6 complete lists of names for

hurricanes 5. The only time a name is retired is if a storm is

particularly damaging or deadly 6. The names are used in alphabetical order, one

name for each letter of the alphabet 7. The letters Q, U, X, Y, and Z are not used. 8. In 2005 they used all the names so they started

over but used the Greek alphabet for the rest of the storms that season.


HOW SAME HOW DIFFERENT

Car Truck Apple Banana Sweater Coat Sister Mother Couch Chair Name more in the same category


WHICH NOT BELONG

Spider Ant Mouse Mosquito

Snow Sleet Fog Rain

Massachusetts Florida Georgia Alabama

Lincoln Washington Eisenhower Anderson

Pencil Typewriter Stamp Pen

Put a word in that will fit with the others


DISCUSS POSSIBILITIES

Problem solving ◦ If you forgot someone’s birthday

Consequences ◦ Carrying too many packages at the same time

Multiple causes ◦ People laughing ◦ No socks in the drawer Incorporate common safety issues


WHAT IS BEING DESCRIBED?

pepperoni – crust – sauce white – on a stick – campfire hover – tiny – red bird – holiday – stuffing laces – heel – basketball programs – remote – news frosting – chocolate – birthday


SHARING STORIES…RECALL GO BACK IN TIME


CONNECTING THE GENERATIONS Young and Old Sharing Stories


The excitement of learning

separates youth from old age.

As long as you are learning, you are not old.

Rosalyn S. Yallow


HOMONYMS Sound same spelled differently

pane and pain

The window pane was a pain to replace

main mane

horse hoarse pour poor

wait weight to two


NEW USES FOR EVERYDAY PRODUCTS

Rubber bands Salt Toothpick Post it notes --------------------------------------------- - Clean crumbs between keys on keyboard - Makes it easier to open up a jar - Helps clean up a cracked egg - Use it to press a gadget with reset button


UNSCRAMBLE 1990’s

WLA NAD RORDE L _ _ A _ _ O _ _ _ _ _ HBULBE SETELCPOE H _ _ B _ _ T _ _ _ S _ _ _ _ I T T A C I N T _ T _ _ _ C TLEHMA NAD SLUIOE T _ _ _ _ _ AND L _ _ _ _ E


PUT THESE IN ORDER

wind tornado breeze storm _______________________

breeze wind storm tornado

penny nickel dime quarter

flagpole tulip mountain giraffe new car tomatoes shoes TV


Marcel Proust

"Let us be grateful to people

who make us happy;

they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."

This week

Laugh at least once a day

Share something positive with

someone


CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN • A famous swashbuckling trio of old • Indian burial grounds • What bees make • Round flotation device • Not laughing out loud • Can’t hold on to anything • Galaxy • Home of the movie stars • Someone who drops things

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How Would You Take Your Brain

Fitness Routine To Another Level

Reading Shopping Playing Cards Puzzles Cooking Watching a Program

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What Do You Do to Help

You Remember????

1. Repeat Repeat Repeat 2. Find the item a home 3. Verify information 4. Write it down


DAILY CALENDAR


REMINISCENCE TRIVIA

A. Was the Chicago Golf Club designed by Ronald McDonald? B. The Chicago Golf Club was the nation’s first (18-hole) or (9 hole) golf course. C. Where was the nation’s first golf course? D. The politician John Glenn was also an _____. E. Why do you think people like to golf?


REMINISCENCE PUZZLES 20th CENTURY Fill in


REMINISCENCE PUZZLES 20th CENTURY Word Search


REMINISCENCE PUZZLES 20th CENTURY Crosswords


REMINISCENCE PUZZLES 20th CENTURY Brain Teasers


REMINISCENCE PUZZLES

20th CENTURY Brain Teasers


REMINISCENCE PUZZLES 20th CENTURY Brain Teasers


MULTIPLE MEANINGS

Club = organization or big stick Harp Palm Date Fiddle Submarine


FIND THE COMMON WORD

horse fly fly paper

crab __________ ______ sauce

stage _________ _______ man

arm apple

coach fly

rain c _ _ _ c _ _ _ tail

scatter b _ _ _ _ b _ _ _ _ wash

flat _ _ _ _ f _ _ _ ball


Therapy Guide Volume 2 sample pages on website

Comprehension, definitions, follow directions

Word retrieval, associations and analogies Sentence formulation General knowledge with and without cues Thought organization, problem solving,

causes, consequences, discussion, steps in tasks

Definitions, multiple meaning, homophones Numerical skills www.memoryfitnessmatters.com 2016

Kathryn Kilpatrick M.A. CCC/SLP 69

Therapy Guide Volume 3 sample pages on website

3 puzzle sections from very simple to complex ◦ Fill in missing letters ◦ Hidden words ◦ Crossword puzzles

Final section word games now on flash drive ◦ Simple to complex


GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Make list – help associate items with one another

places visited, least favorite foods, best gifts

Observation game for day – helps attention what people are wearing, anything green

Go a different way – good for spatial memory different side streets, different order in store

Make simple changes – brain needs get in gear use your other hand, eat dessert first,

HAVE FUN!!!! SHARE THE EXPERIENCE


OTHER ACTIVITY SUGGESTIONS

Guess cost now and in earlier years

Tell why jokes, puns or story funny

Watch old movie no sound closed caption

Interview a person and share info

Do a guided meditation or relaxation routine

Put item in unusual location at beginning of sessions

Learn a foreign word each time

Learn state capitals Learn names of

Presidents Learn name and

person’s story Complete info using

other hand www.memoryfitnessmatters.com 2016 Kathryn Kilpatrick M.A. CCC/SLP 72

MORE ACTIVITY IDEAS

Lifestyle Care Plan www.lifestylecareplan.com

Decades of life Recall room of house Read backwards Do a random act of

kindness Plan a party Exchange magazines Read parts in a play Analogies Tongue twisters

Internet ◦ Free Rice

Discussions ◦ memory glitch and

share solutions ◦ ways to handle

distractions and interruptions ◦ technology

etiquette tips


http://www.lifestylecareplan.com/

WHO NEEDS MODIFICATIONS

Observe – do an ongoing reassessment ◦ Background distractions ◦ Hearing loss ◦ Size of print ◦ Unfamiliar activity – increasing anxiety ◦ Multiple directions ◦ Not of interest ◦ Need cues ◦ Could do with family or volunteers ◦ May want to start out as an observer ◦ Could be an assistant ◦ Could create or bring some materials


MORE IDEAS

Programs on community resources Education on health concerns Screenings

Brain health programs ◦ Various levels – normal aging, MCI, young onset ◦ Internet options ◦ Mindfulness training

Educational programs ◦ Families and friends ◦ Trained hired care partners


IMPORTANT TO SUCCESSFUL AGING

Plan to be old Stay involved with others

Family, friends, church, interest groups Do not just hang out with people your

own age Get help early - do not wait for crisis Know where to go for information and

resources BLUE ZONES - http://www.bluezones.com/


INCORPORATE MOTIVATIONAL QUOTATIONS AND INSPIRATIONAL STORIES

Picture your brain forming new connections

as you meet the challenge and learn. Keep on going.

Carol S. Dweck

If little else, the brain is an educational toy.

Tom Robbins


RESOURCES

Visit www.memoryfitnessmatters.com

Products - sample pages on website SEE CATALOG FOR DISCOUNT OPTIONS UNTIL OCTOBER 1

Memory Fitness Blogs ◦ With weekly memory tip

“Memory Matters” for ALL Ages ◦ 15 minute cable show on YouTube ◦ Corresponding detailed blogs on topics


keeping your brain sharp strategies , activities and …...attitude of gratitude & forgiveness...

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