Contributed by Ken Helander, Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska
For older people, going to a gym on a regular basis gives the opportunity to build strength and stamina by exercising the body in systematic, increasingly exerting ways. The results can be a lowered chance of falls, better coordination, improved sleep, stronger muscles and improved self-image.
As we age, our brains need consistent challenge too. Aging brings with it a host of “senior moments” when we begin to second guess ourselves, becoming more easily distracted, forgetful, and less able to concentrate for long periods of time. Taken together, these “senior moments” can add up to unsettling feelings of fear and anxiety. Is it Alzheimer’s or some other kind of dementia, or is it just normal aging?
For healthy, community dwelling older adults, Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska has some good news. Beginning May 18th, we will be offering a new program for those who find themselves worrying more about memory loss, but who haven’t felt a need to see a doctor about it. The new program, Mind Aerobics™, was developed by the non-profit, New England Cognitive Center, as a non-medical intervention to help stabilize and in many cases to improve function across six domains of cognitive functioning. Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska (ARA) will offer the Mind Sharpener™ as a virtual program which targets persons who are healthy community dwelling older people with concerns about their own forgetfulness.
Independent research studies have shown that there can be improvement/stabilization in the six cognitive domains the Mind Aerobics™ targets - reaction time, visual/spatial, attention and concentration, memory, language and problem solving. Each of these have real-life implications in how we move through our daily tasks, and just like with physical exercise, regular brain workouts help strengthen our minds and keep them fit.
Participants in ARA’s Mind Aerobics™ program will work out on Zoom two times a week for one hour for a total of twelve weeks (24 sessions). Prior to beginning the course of workouts, each participant will have a complete assessment of their baseline functioning conducted by an independent researcher from Minnesota State University. Following the 24 sessions, the assessments will be conducted again to evaluate progress in the six domains. The same assessment will again be conducted at three months after the last session to test the durability of progress. Participants will be able to see for themselves the benefits of their participation, as well as identify areas needing additional workouts. There is no limit to the number of courses in which an individual may participate. In the event that an individual learns through their medical care of the presence of a dementia, including those that are progressive, like Alzheimer’s disease, eventually ARA will be offering specially developed Mind Aerobics™ programs for each stage of the illness.
For more information about this exciting new program and to see if you qualify, you may contact the Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska’s Mat-Su office at (907) 746-3413. As of now, the Mind Sharpener™ program is virtual and is therefore available to Alaskans with computer access anywhere in the state.