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.

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?

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?

Salem Witch Trials: There was widespread suspicion along with hundreds of convictions and dozens of unfair trials. Review transcripts of the trial, witness historical buildings and see the grave sites where the innocent and accused lay to rest. This is Salem, roughly a century before Massachusetts’ fight for independence and liberty that changed a nation and the world.

Haunted New England: Tales and Travel—Feel the hair on the back of your neck stand as you hear the telling of ghost stories, tour ‘haunted” properties in New England and  savor the spirits with haunted a ghoulish celebration.

Paris, History and People: Surrender to the impressionists in the fields of rural France and the twilight on the Seine. Give in to the majesty of the Louvre, the Western World’s greatest collection of art ever assembled. Be taken over by the language of poets and philosophers and the cuisine of Europe’s finest chefs.

Baseball, the Game, the Players and the Rivalry: The true origins of the sport may be older than any of us know, yet how can a game played in 21^st Century America still be played without a time clock? With an eye on the ball, we’ll learn about the game, its historic legends and the teams who made it what it is today.

Legends, Superstitions and Old Wives Tales: Heartburn? Forget antacid tablets, try some garlic instead! We’ll recall our tried and true homespun remedies for those pesky maladies and enjoy reminiscing over superstitious legends passed on from generations of yore.

What are you learning about this month to support your own cogintive health?

Hawaii: History, Tranquility and Beauty: Explore the fresh floral air of Hawaii and the warm tranquil waters. Learn about how the islands were formed. Focus on the Islands’ people and culture, famous places and important historical events.

Composers: People and their Music: Follow musical composers as their talent, influence, and instrumentation fill the centuries. Recognize movements in the music, as you learn about individual composers and their most famous pieces.

The Underwater World: Explore the world unseen, underwater. Learn about hundreds of underwater species, study the depths of the world’s oceans and focus on the important ecological grounds and their current status.

Destination Autumn, Foliage in New England: Widely known for its beauty and color, explore the scientific reasons for the changing foliage. Explore the best-known regions for leaf peeping and byways of yesteryear and today.

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 new topics are you stimulating your brain and cognitive health with this month?

Over the next few months, there will be a research project focused on music interventions and their effect on memory and quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. In the initial phase of design, the research coordinators met with SLR Compass Program Directors to gather input about study design ideas.

Additionally, the research coordinators spent some time with the residents at each of these communities. The residents at each of the communities were willing to offer information and feedback to the researchers, demonstrating their own interest in learning more about their memory loss and trying to combat its effects, through possible participation in a research study. Even as they live with this disease each day, they want to be a part of the important work of learning more about it and improving the lives of those with it. At Senior Living Residences, they have the opportunity to do just that.

Providing information about Alzheimer’s disease to the greater public and providing services to people with the disease is what we do at Compass at Hopkinton through our innovative Compass Memory Support program.

Her questions continue:

“What is Alzheimer’s disease?”

“Is it contagious?”

“Will it get worse?”

“What can I do about it?”

The individual asking the questions is not a family member inquiring about the community for a loved one, rather someone residing in our community living with the disease.

She takes a seat and we talk about what the disease is, how it is not contagious, that it will eventually get worse and that she is doing everything she can to combat it: living in an active community, engaging in cognitively and socially stimulating programs, walking and exercising every day, taking advantage of trips to local museums and attractions and keeping herself well, by participating in the Compass Memory Support program.

Relieved and empowered, she leaves the office. Research shows that individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease are empowered by information about their disease and adjust to living with the illness better, when provided with appropriate and adequate information. Senior Living Residences is committed to the possibilities in sharing information about the disease rather than the tragedy of disclosure.

This past weekend, Team Methuen Village rode to great lengths in the Memory Ride to raise funds that will further research towards better treatment and a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. An annual event, Memory Ride supports the work of the Alzheimer’s Association, the largest private funder of Alzheimer’s disease research in the country.

Heather Carroll, Compass Program Director for Methuen Village managed the “chase truck” for the four bicycle riders of Team Methuen Village on the 100 mile course, beginning and ending at Fort Devins in Massachusetts.

Not slowed by the thunder, lightening, or excessive rain, Team Methuen Village finished the race with smiles on their face, just under $4000 in funds raised for research and hopes for another smooth ride next year and further strides in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

Now the two are embarking on a collaborative research program that will look at how music can be used to improve the quality of life for individuals living with dementia. The research study is currently in development with ideas being shared between Dr. Andrew Budson, members of his lab and SLR’s Compass Memory Support Program Directors.

The focus of the research will be utilizing music as an intervention and its possible effect on memory, behavior or mood over time to determine a possible change in various quality of life measures.

Dedicated to promoting research in Alzheimer’s care and continually improving resident quality of life, SLR’s Alzheimer’s Compass Memory Support team is thrilled to be a partner with Boston University for this exciting project.

Check in again soon to learn more about it!

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?