National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

11/17/2023

National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

In the U.S. we have National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in November (World Alzheimer’s month is September). Let’s start with the facts:

1. Worldwide 55 million people are living with Alzheimer's and other dementias (Alzheimer’s and Dementia).
2. More than 6 million Americas are living with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million (“Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures”).

Everywhere in the world, health professionals are educating patients and their caregivers about Alzheimer's and dementia. Not only the very important information on how to cope with Alzheimer’s, what life will be like with this disease, and stages of this incurable disease, but how to slow its progress.

Looking at ways to slow the progression, experts everywhere recommend staying mentally and socially active. Engaging in mental and social activities may “help to build up your brain's ability to cope with disease, relieve stress and improve your mood. This means doing these activities may help to delay, or even prevent, dementia from developing.” (“How to Reduce Your Risk…”).

People in the early stages of dementia may be quite capable of participating in a host of activities and sports. And they should be encouraged to continue them. The types of exercise that are recommended include: gardening, indoor bowling, dance, swimming, walking, and chair exercises such as yoga.

Exercising the brain is also an important and enjoyable part of everyday life. It has a part to play in a positive, healthy lifestyle in the same way as physical exercise does. Stimulating leisure and social activities are also thought to be important in maintaining a healthy brain.

Some activities that involve exercise for the brain and have also been associated with reduced dementia risk as part of a mentally active lifestyle are: reading, listening to the radio, visiting museums, taking a course, learning a new language, playing musical instruments, artistic and other hobbies, participation in leisure activities such as sports, hobbies, dancing, gardening, groups, cultural activities, and conversation, board games, crosswords, sudoku and other puzzles. (Mental Exercise and Dementia).

There is evidence that cognitive and functional decline in people with dementia may be delayed by continued participation in mentally stimulating activities. People with dementia should be encouraged, as far as possible, to maintain their usual hobbies and activities. While adjustments may be needed as dementia progresses, keeping socially involved and mentally active may be important for the person’s cognition, daily functioning, and mental wellbeing. (Mental Exercise and Dementia).

You can help slow the decline of their memory and cognitive abilities and help them to remain as independent for as long as possible, by keeping them busy with games and activities that stimulate the mind and challenge their mental, functional, and physical abilities. (“Activities and Games for Patients…”).

Penworthy’s Stay Sharp kits were designed to help patients, family, caregivers, and friends maintain those important social and mental activities. Designed to be stimulating, fun, challenging, and leisurely all in one kit built around a favorite subject: Gardens, Sports, Dogs, Cats, and more.

Each kit has a book on the subject, and 2-4 activities that can be done alone or with someone, or even a small group. Each kit has an activity that can be done on its own with success. They are perfect for stimulating the mind, learning, and making important social connections.

Check out our 19 Stay Sharp Kits here!

Written by Nancy Stetzinger, Penworthy’s Product Manager

Sources:

“Activities and Games for Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease.” Hospital News, 26 Sept. 2023, 

hospitalnews.com/activities-and-games-for-patients-with-alzheimers-disease/. 

“Alzheimer’s and Dementia.” Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. 

www.alz.org/alzheimer_s_dementia#:~:text=Worldwide%2C%2055%20million%20people%20are,describes%20a

%20group%20of%20symptoms. Accessed 7 Nov. 2023.

“Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.” Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, 

www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures. Accessed 7 Nov. 2023.

Dementia Q&A 6 - Mental Exercise and Dementia, 

www.dementia.org.au/sites/default/files/helpsheets/Helpsheet-DementiaQandA06-MentalExercise_english.pdf. 

Accessed 13 Nov. 2023.

“How to Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias.” Alzheimer’s Society,  

www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/risk-factors-and-prevention/how-reduce-your-risk-alzheimers-and-other

dementias#:~:text=Engaging%20in%20mental%20or%20social,brain%2C%20and%20do%20them%20regularly. 

Accessed 7 Nov. 2023.