Care Packages For Those With Alzheimer’s
Although researchers have found a genetic connection between patients with Alzheimer’s, there is also a correlation between doing simple games and puzzles, keeping your mind active, listening to the radio and going to museums — and reducing the risk of getting Alzheimer’s or developing dementia. Care packages for the elderly should include simple games and puzzles that develop and encourage brain activity. These will also increase an elderly person’s sense of self.
Send puzzles such as Sudoku, the math puzzle in which participants fill out nine boxes with the numbers one through nine. These number placement puzzles were developed in France in 1895 and were called magic squares. They were revived to popularity by a Japanese firm who renamed the game, Sudoku.
Other simple games favored by the elderly are crossword puzzles and word finds. The easiest crossword puzzles are fill-in-the-blank puzzles and should be sent to those having the most difficult time solving puzzles. Word finds can be done by those with short term memory loss.
Keeping the brain active is what’s important. Even a simple game of chess or checkers is proven to have beneficial qualities. Reading newspapers and following radio programs are also important. Providing these opportunities can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia by 2.5 times in those who are at genetic risk of developing the diseases.
Those who participate in these activities more frequently reduce their risk even more that those who participate less frequently. Maintaining a physically healthy routine and a healthy diet high in antioxidants is also important.
Studies have shown that, despite our growing knowledge about Alzheimer’s, the disease is on the rise, with more and more cases being diagnosed each year. It’s imperative that adults keep their brains and bodies active as they grow older.
Tags: Alzheimer's, Care Packages