Inventions, Innovations and Pursuit: What inventions stand out in history? What inventions have changed our daily lives? Learn to play the glass armonica as we explore the inventions of Benjamin Franklin, discover how Leonardo DaVinci protected his plans, discoveries and “modern day” inventions. Turn on the lights and imagine the “lab” of Thomas Edison. Tell us about your own invention idea as we explore this innovative field.

New England: Tradition and Travel- Traverse the states that make up New England, from Acadia National Park in Maine to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the mansions in Newport, the sugar shacks of Vermont and the historical landmarks of Massachusetts. Sample traditional foods from New England and share your own favorite places as you learn about the rich history that makes this area unique.

Weddings Ceremonies: History and Culture- Take part in an ancient wedding ceremony and one of today. Learn about the cultural celebrations of these unions across the globe as you share your own wedding day experiences. Taste the various foods served in these ceremonies and the historical customs that mark each celebration.

The Kennedy’s, A Family of Politics, Pride, and Public Service- Trace the family tree of the Kennedy family and its Massachusetts’ roots as you follow this family through its storied and at times, tragic, history. Examine the speeches of its famous political leaders and their legacy of service to America, as you share your own recollections of this famous family.

Boundless Space and Astronomy- Travel through space as you explore the stars and planets, their scientific properties and representation in poetry and art. Step back in time when early explorers were punished for their beliefs about the galaxies as you marvel at today’s space program and exploration.

What are you learning about this month?

Those individuals with weaker pumping hearts or the lowest cardiac index had brains that appeared two years older than those of similar participants with the highest cardiac-index. Cardiac index is a measure of how much blood is pumped form the heart relative to body size. Another finding in the study was that individuals with a  cardiac index in the normal range, had decreased brain size as compared to those in the highest index, suggesting that even small reductions in blood flow may compromise cognitive health.

One of the lead authors of the paper reporting the study is Angela Jefferson, an Associate Professor of Neurology at Boston University and the BU Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Senior Living Residences’ academic affiliate. She has a research interest in vascular risk factors that may accelerate abnormal cognitive aging including Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.

Scientists say the data from the study is observational and does not prove a causal relationship, but still supports making healthy living choices, such as eating well, exercising regularly and monitoring cardiovascular risks.

Those with memory loss live in a different reality from our fast paced, noisy lives. Theirs is slow, quiet, and based in the remote past which is a predictable place in its familiarity of people and routines. They cannot sustain staying in the present; it is too difficult and confusing. Retreat into the past with your loved one and you will have a better than good visit!

• Plan a time limit on your visit that you are comfortable with – as few as 15 to 20 minutes can make for a good visit.
• Slow down your pace and your mind before entering your loved one’s space.
• If possible, turn off background noises, such as the TV and music, when having a conversation.
• Identify yourself each time. If he or she doesn’t know who you are, introduce yourself by your first name, “Hi Mom. Brad, your son, is here to spend some time with you.” It may take a full minute for your loved one to orient to you being there and to recognize who you are.
• Address one topic at a time. Don’t jump from subject to subject, especially in mid-sentence. Processing information is slowed in the brain of a person with Alzheimer’s. Sometimes it takes a full minute or longer for the brain to accept a message, make some sense of it, and formulate a response.
• Plan a task to be accomplished while you’re there, such as a short walk with easy, slow talk (you’ll probably carry most of the conversation), reading a story, listening to music together, or giving your mom a manicure.
• Communicate positive feelings through quiet hand holding, a light back rub, or a hand resting on the back or forearm. Always approach your loved one from the front before touching so he or she isn’t startled.
• Talk slowly and simply. Avoid complex concepts and repeat information as necessary to be clear.
• Avoid arguing with your loved one’s perceptions of things and don’t correct your loved one when he or she is wrong. Sometimes saying nothing works best. You always lose an argument with a confused person!
• Avoid long explanations, e.g., why your loved one must do something.
• Enjoy being in his or her world. Do not reality-orient or correct his or her memories or perceptions of things.
• Avoid questioning and quizzing. Avoid questions asking what, who, when, and especially why. Questions that can be answered “yes” and “no” are best.
• When asking a person with dementia to make a decision, offer only two choices, either of which is acceptable. More than that is too much for the brain to deal with now. For example, “Do you want to walk with me now, or talk together first?”
• Know that your presence alone brings peace and comfort to your loved one!

Relating to those with memory loss can often be challenging. It’s helpful to keep in mind that their behavior is their way of staying in touch with what is going on to feel in control of their lives. We understand that. The personal caregivers and Social Program Directors in our Memory Support Neighborhoods are trained in the habilitation method of memory care with a focus on maximizing the independence of each resident, as well as creating positive emotional experiences using all of the techniques and tips outlined here.

TIPS COMPLIMENTS OF

Beverly Moore, RN CS, Alzheimer Coaching Services, 617-233-1145

Resident of Standish Village, a Senior Living Residences community in Dorchester, MA, celebrate St. Patrick's Day

Residents living in the Memory Support Neighborhood at Standish Village spent today celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Standish Village, like many other assisted living communities, offered a performance from an Irish Step Dancer. Unlike other assisted living communities, residents spent the morning engaged in an innovative adult learning course, studying Ireland, its history, land and people.

Each week residents at Standish Village and other Senior Living Residences’ communities participate in the Reconnections Program. Reconnections is an experiential-based adult learning program designed specifically for individuals with memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease based on research that cognitive stimulation may slow the progression of the disease. The material-rich learning courses key in on residents’ past and present interests to elicit engaged responses.

As the residents celebrated today, they focused not only on watching a dance performance, but also learning about its origins, history, and relevance in their own lives.

A recent study has found that major depression more than doubles the risk factor for dementia in adults living with diabetes. The study article in the Journal of General Internal Medicine noted that depression is common among people with diabetes and advised clinicians to add appropriate screening and treatment measures. Additionally, the study noted the need for exercise as well as weight and blood sugar control to protect people with diabetes from developing cognitive deficits.

It is not known how diabetes and depression interact to result in the increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

Noting, the link between exercise, diet, and brain health, Senior Living Residences offers an exercise program in all of its communities as well as an innovative nutrition program.