Engaging Activities To Boost Brain Health This June
June marks Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and the importance of brain health. At The Neighbors of Dunn County, we are committed to supporting our residents and their families through education, activities, and community involvement. In this post, we will discuss the significance of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month and provide five brain exercises, courtesy of Forbes Health, to help maintain and improve brain health.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-70% of cases. Alzheimer’s disease impacts not only those diagnosed but also their families and caregivers. Early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in managing the disease’s progression and improving the quality of life for those affected.
The Importance Of Brain Health
Maintaining brain health is crucial for everyone, not just those at risk of Alzheimer’s. Engaging in activities that challenge and stimulate the brain can help enhance cognitive function, improve memory, and potentially delay the onset of dementia-related symptoms. Here are five brain exercises that you can try at home to keep your mind sharp and active.
Five Brain Exercises To Try At Home
1. Do a Crossword Puzzle
Crossword puzzles are excellent tools for challenging your brain. These puzzles can range from small, three-to-four-letter word puzzles to larger, more complex ones. Any type of crossword puzzle will stimulate your brain, improve your vocabulary, and enhance your problem-solving skills.
2. Play an Online Brain Game
Online brain games are widely available on iPads and other smart devices. These games are designed to improve various cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Many of these games adjust their difficulty level based on your performance, ensuring that you are always challenged.
3. Start a Jigsaw Puzzle
Jigsaw puzzles are known to work the “visual spatial working memory” skills, which involve remembering the location and orientation of pieces to complete the puzzle. This type of activity not only exercises the brain but also provides a sense of accomplishment once the puzzle is completed.
4. Build a Model or Start a Knitting or Crocheting Project
Building models or engaging in knitting or crocheting projects can enhance memory and fine motor skills. These activities require concentration, planning, and dexterity, all of which are beneficial for brain health.
5. Join a Card Game
Card games are excellent for exercising memory and strategy skills. Games such as bridge, poker, and solitaire require players to remember previous moves and plan their next steps strategically. Other options similar to card games include checkers, mahjong, BINGO, and pokeno.
Life Enhancement At The Neighbors Of Dunn County
The Neighbors of Dunn County is dedicated to providing a wide range of activities that promote brain health and overall well-being. Our Life Enhancement department offers all the activities mentioned above, along with many other engaging options. We are always ready to assist and ensure that our residents have the resources they need to stay active and healthy.
Our Commitment To Brain Health
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is an important time to focus on the health and well-being of our brains. By incorporating these five brain exercises into your daily routine, you can help maintain and improve your cognitive function. At The Neighbors of Dunn County, we are committed to supporting our residents in their journey to better brain health through a variety of engaging activities and resources. For more information on how we can help, and the services we provide, please contact us.
Stay active, stay engaged, and keep your mind healthy!
