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The Journal on Active Aging brings articles of value to professionals dedicated to older-adult quality of life. Content sweeps across the active-aging landscape to focus on education and practice. Find articles of interest by searching the article archives in three ways: Enter a keyword in the articles search bar; click on search by topic; or type a keyword or phrase in the general search bar at the top of the page.

Topic- Cognitive health

 

Nourishing minds by Sandy Todd Webster, MSFS-11144

Nourishing minds by Sandy Todd Webster, MSFS

Could meals served in your dining room, restaurants or cafes contribute to stemming cognitive decline among residents and members? With dementia and Alzheimer's rates rising, research increasingly points to nutrition as a potential supporting factor in the cognitive health puzzle. Emerging studies reveal that thoughtful eating patterns--inspired by evidence-based approaches found in specific dietary patterns and foods--can satisfy hunger, improve general health markers and nourish aging brains.

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Cognitive health

One thought at a time: Building resilience for a long, full life by Terry Eckmann, PhD-11138

One thought at a time: Building resilience for a long, full life by Terry Eckmann, PhD

Explore resilience, cognitive reserve, and mindful and lifestyle practices that help build the capacity to recover from challenges. Resilience not only gets people through difficult times; it is also an important factor in successful aging. Building resilience can help individuals maintain a healthy brain and body to live independently and to enjoy a good quality of life throughout the lifespan. Professionals can guide constituents in nurturing this capacity, starting with the impact of thoughts and behaviors.

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Cognitive health

For Brain Fitness Academy, the pandemic led to a new, successful product by Sara Woodard, MHSA, and Annette Kelly, PhD, ARNP-8588

For Brain Fitness Academy, the pandemic led to a new, successful product by Sara Woodard, MHSA, and Annette Kelly, PhD, ARNP

In March 2020, Brain Fitness Academy (BFA) program sites, like so many others, were forced to close due to COVID-19. The Florida nonprofit's familiar in-person model became unavailable to its members almost overnight. Unbeknownst to the organization at that point, the closure would lead to quick, agile thinking and creativity, which combined to spark development of a new product that is now a permanent part of BFA's offerings. Headquartered in Winter Park, Florida, BFA strives to maximize the lives of individuals with mild cognitive impairment/early dementia living in the community through a curriculum- based program that highlights capabilities and focuses on success in a safe, supportive environment. Having heard many times from members that BFA is the highlight of their week, we recognized immediately that closing or interrupting the program was not an option. The team, with the guidance of cofounder Peggy Bargmann, RN, immediately went to the drawing board to come up with a solution to keep the members engaged and connected. Our research included seeking advice from our trusted academic partners as well as other experts. We worked collaboratively to explore the best solutions for delivery of our program in a virtual format.

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Cognitive health

"Thriving with dementia": Innovative efforts to support quality of life by Sally Abrahms

Older adults are getting even older. Thanks to better health, science and technology, many more people are living into their 80s and 90s. Because advancing age is a risk for dementia (a syndrome that includes symptoms such as memory loss and impaired thinking), the World Health Organization predicts that people with dementia will triple in number worldwide within three decades-from about 50 million today to 152 million by 2050. Currently, up to 70% of dementia cases may involve Alzheimer's disease. While there is no cure for Alzheimer's, senior living providers, adult day centers, and Alzheimer's and dementia experts are increasingly approaching the disease (and other dementias) differently. "Dementia is about thriving, not just surviving" is the new mantra. ... From supportive environments to creative programs, innovative efforts help individuals thrive as they navigate this life passage.

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Cognitive health

Reality check: What you need to know about products promoted for Alzheimer's disease by Marilynn Larkin, MA-7258

Reality check: What you need to know about products promoted for Alzheimer's disease by Marilynn Larkin, MA

About 50 million people worldwide are living with dementia, making it a "global epidemic," according to the Chicago, Illinois-based Alzheimer's Association, whose mission focuses on Alzheimer's care, support and research. And yet, as nations ramp up efforts to support those with Alzheimer's, many people have misperceptions about the disease. For example, the Association found in a 2014 survey that 59% of individuals around the world incorrectly believe that Alzheimer's disease is a "typical part of aging" or that you have to have a family history of the disease to be at risk. The reality is, scientists are still not sure what causes the disease, though much research in this area is underway. Other misperceptions have to do with treatments. Currently, there are no treatments that can prevent or cure Alzheimer's disease or slow its course. Answers are coming, but we're not there yet, according to Heather Snyder, PhD, senior director of medical and scientific operations for the Alzheimer's Association.

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Cognitive health

BikeAround: Making memories accessible and world travel feasible for all by Marilynn Larkin, MA-6569

BikeAround: Making memories accessible and world travel feasible for all by Marilynn Larkin, MA

Shortly after George Fermanis started The Fermanis Group, a Canadian consultancy that advises and invests in companies aiming to improve the lives of older adults, a colleague sent him a video about BikeAround. "I was convinced this technology could have practical applications in older-adult communities throughout Canada," Fermanis says. BikeAround consists of a large dome and a cycling unit with sensors embedded in the pedals. It integrates Google Street View, a technology that provides panoramic views of many natural wonders and landmarks, as well as specific streets worldwide. The user sits in the cycling unit and pedals and steers. That same speed and motion are displayed in the dome, offering a user-controlled immersive experience in the environment of choice. The streets and views displayed also can be controlled via computer by another individual-a staff member in a community, for example-to facilitate use by people with mobility impairments.

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Cognitive health

Total items: 32

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