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Sometimes the best defense against early memory loss is to focus on what you can do instead of what you can't remember.
“So often, people get wrapped up in worrying about what they're forgetting. If they think there's a pattern to it, they start to panic and that anxiety doesn't really serve them,” said Karen Doughtie, program director at Memory Matters on Hilton Head Island. “I think it's important to slow down, pay attention and remember what you're doing well.”
Since 1997, Memory Matters — formerly known as Alzheimer's Respite & Resource — has provided social and mental activities for adults with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, as well as support and education for caregivers. Within the last few years, the nonprofit organization has added a program for folks who haven't received a medical diagnosis but are concerned about their memory and want to be proactive about keeping their mind healthy. The class, which is called Brain Boosters, meets once a week for an 8-week period.
“The activities are different than for those in the more advanced dementia program, because participants are aware of the changes in their memory and can learn new information,” said Doughtie, who meets with people for individual evaluations before they begin Brain Boosters. “Classes really focus on common sense things like changes in diet and medications and exercises for the mind and body.”
According to the Alzheimer's Association, research has found that staying mentally active increases the brain's vitality and may build its reserves of brain cells and connections, thus strengthening its protection against cognitive diseases and disorders. Activities in Brain Boosters include everything from brain teasers, word puzzles and journal writing to memory retraining techniques and yoga.
“I'm finding that people aren't as concerned about overall wellness anymore, but they should be. Things are so interconnected that you can hardly separate ailments,” Doughtie said. “Doing yoga and talking about nutrition are as important as the puzzles we do in class. We want to engage the creative and problem-solving sides of the brain. Achieving this balance is important in terms of staying mentally sharp.”
Moss Creek resident and Memory Matters volunteer Katy Doran joined Brain Boosters in February to eventually help Doughtie lead the program in more places in the community. Even though she hasn't experienced any signs of early memory loss, Doran said classes have helped her develop healthier habits that will keep her mind active and strong. And for those who have noticed something is “off” in their ability to remember names and tasks, she said it's become a weekly source of support where their fears and frustrations are properly addressed.
“It's a fun environment, but people do share their stories and struggles. Everyone takes the lessons seriously,” Doran said. “They say it takes six weeks to start a new habit with anything before it becomes natural. If you do the things outlined in Brain Boosters on a consistent basis, you will see improvement. It's pretty dynamic stuff.”
To inquire about joining the next Brain Boosters program, which begins in June, call Memory Matters at 842-6688.
