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BACK2024-01-31
Antara
Mental well-being and cognitive health have gained significant importance over the past few years. These two are related concepts that focus on different aspects of an individual's mental health. Cognitive health is important for senior citizens, especially dementia care patients. It refers to the well-being of the brain and its ability to perform mental processes like learning, memory, decision-making, problem-solving, and attention. But various activities can boost the cognitive ability of the elders which people can easily follow and adapt.
The increasing global old-age population is turning cognitive impairment (CI) into a major public health problem. CI is described as a condition where elderly people have trouble remembering, learning, concentrating, or memorizing, affecting their everyday decision-making abilities and overall quality of life. CI can progress into other conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's disease which have a more significant impact on the health and wellbeing of seniors.
Top activities that help improve the cognitive ability of seniors.
Maintaining good cognitive health is important for the elderly to lead a quality life and engage effectively in daily activities. Enhancing cognitive function can include various fun activities that keep seniors engaged and stimulate their mind.
These activities are also effective for families looking for ways to boost memory in seniors.
● Reading: A great habit even otherwise, encouraging seniors to read books of their choice, newspapers, or magazines helps stimulate the brain and keeps the mind active.
● Puzzles and Games: Whether it is solving a daily crossword or sudoku, trying jigsaw puzzles, or a game of chess or cards, these activities involve strategy and think-through that challenge the brain and improve problem-solving skills. These activities serve as helpful memory training for seniors.
● Art, craft, and hobby: Painting, knitting, making a photo collage, cooking, or playing a musical instrument are all great ways to get those creative juices flowing. Taking up a hobby or learning a new skill helps create neural connections, keeps in the hands busy, and the mind active.
● Brain games: There are various apps that have been designed to improve memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. These are engaging and fun games that involve math, words, shapes, etc. and have time limits to make the games challenging.
● Exercise: Regular physical activities like walking, swimming, or workouts are beneficial for both the body and the brain. It has been linked to improved cognitive function.
● Yoga and meditation: Practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness help reduce stress, relax the body, improve focus, and contribute to overall cognitive well-being.
● Music therapy: Playing an instrument, singing, or listening to music have positive effects on mood and cognitive function.
Beyond these activities, socializing and maintaining connections are vital to better mental wellbeing and cognitive health. Engaging in conversations involves remembering names and keeping up with topics of discussion. Spending time with friends and family can stimulate cognitive function, help seniors fight loneliness and boredom, and stay active.
These activities support families who are looking for guidance on how to improve memory in old age. To know more about cognitive health care, connect to Antara’s team today.
Dementia care and cognitive function
Dementia is a general term used to describe symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills that are severe enough to impact and reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities. Memory care homes are designed to help Dementia patients with a secure and safe environment and structured routines that help reduce the pace of cognitive decline.
Many of these practices are aligned with structured Dementia treatment for elders to support their long-term wellbeing.
At Antara, we have specialized Memory Care homes that cater to the unique needs of Dementia care patients. We offer comprehensive neuro cognitive care, and the team of experts cater to patient needs and assists them in carrying out their everyday tasks. The multidisciplinary care team helps residents deal with cognitive and psychological changes that affect memory and social abilities, navigate them better, and improve their overall quality of life.
Antara Memory Care Homes offer a safe and secure residential facility for Dementia care patients and provides specialized therapies like occupational therapy, balancing therapy for fall risk, cognitive stimulation therapy, and speech and swallow therapy. We also provide clinical wellness solutions, mental stimulation activities, and emergency support for patients enabling them to lead their lives with dignity.while continuing to boost cognitive ability of the elders through structured routines and therapeutic support.
Confused about where to start or what support your loved one needs? Talk to our expert’s team today.
Conclusion
Cognitive health is one of the most valuable investments for seniors. The seven activities mentioned in the blog above (from engaging yourself in puzzles & creative pursuits to maintaining social connections & physical exercise) are the easy to adopt ways to boost cognitive ability of the elders to keep their minds sharp and resilient. These are not merely pastimes. According to experts they are powerful tools that can slow cognitive decline and enhance daily functioning. For those navigating dementia (or supporting loved ones through memory challenges), specialised care environments (like Antara Memory Care Homes) provide the structured support and expert therapies needed to maintain dignity and wellbeing. The journey towards better cognitive health begins with a single step—whether it's picking up a book, solving a crossword, or reaching out for professional guidance. Your mind deserves the same attention you give to your physical health.
To know more about our first-of-its-kind facility for holistic care of Dementia patients in Gurugram, click here or call us on +91 98114 41111.
Memory care assessment requires evaluation by professionals (they may use tools like Dem-NCD and ANU-ADRI). Key indicators are (including but not limited to):
Consult your doctor for cognitive function testing and personalised assessment.
The 4 R’s framework gives your caregivers the best plan of action for dementia care:
Memory care facilities offer specialised benefits including trained staff supervision (available 24/7), secured entrances and exits, personalised care plans, and therapeutic activities. These facilities provide enhanced physical safety, structured daily routines, cognitive stimulation programs and professional medication management while preserving dignity and reducing family caregiver burden through expert dementia care.
Evaluate facilities based on staff-to-resident ratios, leadership stability, and specialised training certifications. Assess security systems, what are the activity programs, cleanliness & coordination among different healthcare verticals. Visit multiple facilities, review financial policies and ensure the environment matches your loved one’s specific care requirements and preferences.
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