Baycrest Health Sciences & Baycrest Foundation Publications
Issue link: http://baycrest.uberflip.com/i/141185
Memory Programs Where did I park the car? Did I leave my phone in the basement again? What is that woman's name? of the memory lapses that draw older adults to the Memory and Aging Program at Baycrest. Some need reassurance that their experience is normal; others want to know how to cope with everyday forgetfulness. These are common examples Participants in the five-week program learn the difference between normal and abnormal memory changes. They are taught simple compensating techniques for normal lapses, such as jotting down a reminder of where they parked the car, choosing one specific place to keep the telephone, and associating a name with a narrative that will help them recall it later – for instance, "this person's name is Rose and roses are my favourite flower." The program also educates participants about lifestyle changes that have been shown to improve memory – practices such as eating healthy food, exercising regularly, managing stress, staying intellectually stimulated, and being socially active. 50 % risk of Alzheimer's People with mild cognitive impairment, which puts them at a 50 per cent risk for dementia within five years of diagnosis, are referred to the research-based Memory Intervention Program to help them maintain their independence for as long as possible. They learn to organize their activities by writing down reminders about such things as appointments, tasks they need to complete, and when they should take their medications. Lifestyle changes that may improve memory are also taught. 4 Baycrest 2008/09 Annual Report 60 + brain easily distracted Scientists at the Rotman Research Institute have found a mechanism in the brain they believe explains why older adults are more easily distracted than younger people. For example, older adults may find it more difficult to concentrate on a newspaper article. One solution is to concentrate on one task at a time, advises lead study author Dr. Cheryl Grady. "It may be as easy as turning down the radio when reading, or staying off the cellphone when driving a car."