The more I learn about the nutritional content and value of herbs and spices, the more I am confirmed in placing them front and center in my Memory Preservation Nutrition® Program, which has been implemented at Senior Living Residences’ assisted living and Alzheimer’s care communities across Massachusetts.

Not only have some spices been discovered to have specific value to help prevent cognitive decline, but most of them (all those studied to date!) have multiple health benefits ranging from anti-microbial to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, and even as a source of fiber and scarce nutrients. Moreover, because herbs and spices add such wonderful flavors to food, we can bear to part with excess salt, saturated fats, and sugar!

One prominent reason for the health benefits of herbs and spices is their antioxidant potency. Oxidative stress has been identified not only as one of the key risk factors for brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (and probably a prominent factor in the causal chain of events), but many other chronic diseases of the brain and body. Oxidative stress arises from both the pollutants and toxins in our environment, but also as a natural by-product of breathing oxygen. As we age our bodies are under increasing stress from “free radicals” – our very DNA is under attack. Antioxidants from our food is the best way to combat them. We need more and more as we get older, and low-caloric, nutrient-intense sources are desirable.

Herbs and spices are the stars. Some whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, and lentils are also very high in antioxidants with the various sorghum grains being the most potent.

Which herbs and spices? Cinnamon, rosemary, oregano, turmeric and ginger, to name a few. Read more about brain-healthy spices and other foods! Take a look at my delicious brain healthy recipes that you can make at home, as well as brain healthy recipes developed by the professional chefs at Senior Living Residences.

Though the holidays can be full of cheer and traditional family celebrations, all this cherished fun and activity can actually be overwhelming for people with dementia. Even individuals with mild memory loss can experience confusion in large family groups.

At our Compass Memory Support Assisted Living communities in the Boston area we deal with questions all the time from family members about how to help their loved ones feel comfortable and included in annual family events and celebrations.

Here are some tips for making the best of the holidays for you and your loved ones:

• If your Mom or Dad is in the early stages of dementia, acknowledge the sense of loss both of you may be feeling. There is no need to pretend that everything is the same. Your parent will be relieved that they don’t have to work so hard maintaining appearances during the holidays.

• Adjust yours and your family’s expectations. You can simplify annual events or traditions to fit what your loved one is able to do in order to include them. Perfect activities for those with memory loss include singing favorite holiday songs, viewing favorite holiday movies together, and looking at old holiday family albums. Trimming the tree, lighting the menorah, and baking are great, too, but be sure you are right there directing and assisting.

• If your Mom or Dad is living with you, do your best to maintain daily structure and routine – eating and napping at the same time of day will help him or her maintain a sense of stability during this busy chaotic time of year.

• If your Mom or Dad is living in a memory support community you should consider having them stay there for the holidays. You can attend holiday parties and celebrations at the community where they may be most comfortable and have the 24-hour support they need. Not taking your Mom or Dad “home for the holidays” may cause you some guilt but often it’s best for the person with dementia to stay in familiar surroundings and stick to their familiar routine.

• When it comes to gifts, simple is best. An album with old photos, a CD of favorite music, or a coffee table book depicting a favorite hobby, pastime or vacation destination are good gifts. Depending on the stage of memory loss, your Mom or Dad may need help opening the package.

As it is with anyone, knowing you are loved and appreciated is the best gift of all. Don’t worry about the fluff – just spend some quality, one-on-one time with your parent during the holidays and you’ll both feel enriched!

Pearl Harbor, Sacrifice and Strength: The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor early in the morning on December 7, 1941 prompted the United States to enter World War II. The event shocked the nation and turned domestic support towards war engagement. Learn about the many sacrifices made by Americans on this day and the countries enduring strength.

Classic Winter Destinations: Travel New England: Enjoy the beauty of the Berkshires, the mountains of New Hampshire and the mansions in Newport as we discuss the hardy stock of New Englanders during winter. Tour through classic wintertime destinations like Rockwell’s picturesque Red Lion Inn and the Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont.

Towns and Landmarks: Local History Comes Alive: Trail through Thoreau’s Walden, tour the historic landmarks of Harvard Square, traverse the history of the millworkers in Lawrence, see the city from Castle Island, see where the Boston Marathon begins and tour the famous Baker’s Chocolate factory. Take note of the unique history and landmarks that comprise our surroundings as you share your own stories about these spaces.

The Bing Band Era: Swing and Sway: Big Band music’s popularity pulsated from the early 1930s into the late 1940s. Listen to saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and crooners as we learn about this era of music and the dances that went along with it. Benny Goodman, Glen Miller, Louis Armstrong, and the Dorsey Brothers will be among the many musicians we’ll rediscover.

Seasonal Celebrations: Holiday History and Traditions: ‘Tis the season to be merry. Explore seasonal celebrations from cultures and countries around the world. Compare the holidays of yesteryear with those of today. Search through time and find the historical roots of your own traditions.

What are your plans for cognitive health this month and in the new year?

Beginning with planning meetings to determine the best course for the study, residents’ abilities and interests and the possibilities for the study design at each community and continuing with site visits, conference calls about specific research plans and trainings on implementing outcome measures, it has been an involved and enlightening time.

Interestingly, research studies take time to develop, to implement, to understand and study and to measure in outcomes. The Compass Program Directors and residents have learned this together in the past few months. The Directors and residents look forward to sharing more information about the implementation and outcomes of the study. Some questions that are being considered include: Can music enhance memory for specific facts, such as daily schedules? Can memory enhance and elevate mood and focus, while decreasing challenging feelings and behaviors for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease? We’ll keep you posted.

Armed Forces: Being called to serve meant commitment and sacrifice for one’s country. Even though there is no longer a draft, men and women are still being called to serve for the causes of liberty and freedom. Let’s remember those who have gone before us and honor those who are devoting their lives in service to America today.

Thanksgiving Traditions: A humble meal shared by early colonialists and Indians in New England, not formally recognized as a national  tradition until the American Civil War when it was formally proclaimed by President Lincoln as a day of thanks. Today, we celebrate our own family traditions as we learn a bit about the history of Thanksgiving while remembering to give thanks.

Radio Shows, Politics and Personalities: Stretching the truth? Preying on the fearful? Giving a voice to the unheard? Telling it like it is? We can talk about radio talk shows and will guarantee a lively discussion in which everyone gets to speak and be heard.

Impressionists, Images in Art: Impressionists were seemingly more interested in painting the light of day than in political issues seeing the light of day. Yet after centuries of conflict and change, we still return to the images of haystacks, lily pods and sunsets as if we have seen them for the first time. Indulge yourself in a cloudscape and feast your eyes on something perhaps you’ve never seen before.

Women in World War II, Changing Roles: Military nurses, factory workers, mothers, heads of households. Some earned medals, citations, and commendations during World War II, the rest just rolled up their sleeves and went to work each day quietly and strongly. We will learn about them and share our own personal triumphs and stories.

Do these topics interest you too? What do you do to stimulate your own cognitive health?

Communication with individuals with individuals with Alzheimer’s may take additional time and there are a number of suggestions to make the exchange easier for both individuals:
• Make note of your own body language and posture, keep good eye contact and be at eye level with the individual to set the tone for the exchange
• Let the individual know you are listening and trying to understand what is being communicated
• Remove outside distractions: television, radio, or other extra sensory input
• Try guessing the correct word if an individual with the disease has difficulty with word-finding
• Acknowledge that gestures can also be used to communicate, begin using them yourself
• Focus on the emotion and message being expressed, respond to that if you are not able to understand the words.
• When you are speaking, use short and simple words and sentences. Speak slowly and clearly, repeat what you have said multiple times as needed.
• Wait for a response from the individual, it may take extra time to process what has been said.
• Use a smile and laughter if you are having a difficult time with communication and try again later

The Author Reads Excerpts from her book at the Hopkinton Senior Center in Hopkinton, MA on November 7^th at 2 pm.

Susan Rava calls her book Swimming Solo a “support-group-in-a-book” and one reader described it as a “life­line.” Her personal story about her family’s journey through Alzheimer’s disease is grip­ping, sad and funny all at once.

Susan’s story begins when her elderly father-in-law sets out alone to swim straight across Lake Michigan to Milwaukee. Soon after, he is diagnosed with probable Alzheimer’s disease. Susan Rava goes on to describe her other family members who develop Alzheimer’s. She says, “My father showed me a slip of paper. It said, “D-O-R-O-T-H-Y.” He said to me, ‘Your mother’s name. So I don’t forget it.’ He too was in the grip of Alzheimer’s. Then followed both my mother-in-law and finally my mother.”

Susan and her husband were the primary caregivers over 14 years for all four parents who she describes as colorful and productive individuals in their heydays. Her book also chronicles their declines into Alzheimer’s.

One of Senior Living Residences’ memory support communities, Compass at Hopkinton in Hopkinton, MA, is hosting a book signing and reading with this popular author whose book about her family’s struggle with Alzheimer’s disease topped the charts on Amazon.com.

The public is invited to attend the event and meet Susan Rava on Monday, November 7^th at 2:00 pm at the Hopkinton Senior Center located at 28 Mayhew Street in Hopkinton. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP to Eric Varin, Compass at Hopkinton, 508-435-1011.

Compass at Hopkinton, located on West Main Street in Hopkinton, MA, serves seniors with memory loss from throughout the Metrowest and Worcester County area. For more information about Compass at Hopkinton, visit www.CompassHopkinton.com or call 508-435-1011.

Senior Living Residences’ Compass Memory Support

Committed to being a part of research programs and basing programming on the latest findings about Alzheimer’s disease, SLR and its communities are also a part of supporting various research projects through raising funds.

Last month, all of the Compass Memory Support communities raised funds for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s disease for the Alzheimer’s Association, the largest private supporter of Alzheimer’s research in the country. This month we look back over recent fundraising activities to support our academic affiliate, the Boston University School of Medicine’s Alzheimer’s Disease Center (BUADC), whose mission includes advancement in the knowledge of care and treatment for those living with Alzheimer’s disease.

In the last few months, many Compass Memory Support communities have held fundraisers to support the work of researchers at the BUADC. Communities held events that included celebration and cheer, including a Luau event, Casino events and a Chowderfest . All told, Senior Living Residences has raised thousands of dollars to support local researchers, while informing the greater community about the importance of supporting research.