The Memory Connection is an early memory loss program which helps participants improve their mental fitness by exercising their brain and body.

Is The Memory Connection right for you or for your loved one?
Do you find that you occasionally forget names or appointments? Occasionally forget why you came into a room or what you planned to say? Sometimes have trouble findingthe right word? Forget the day of the week or where you are going? Make a questionable decision? Find it challenging to balance a checkbook? Misplace keys or wallet? Occasionally feel sad or moody? Find your personality is changing? Sometimes weary of work or other responsibilities?

These are normal occurrences for all of us. But if you findthey happen more often or more severely, then you could be experiencing early memory loss. By learning about how memory works and changes, and using memory techniques you can improve your memory.

Improve mental fitness by caring:

• For your heart
• For your weight
• For your diet

Improve mental fitness by:

• Avoiding bad habits
• Exercising your body
• Stimulating your brain through memory and sensory games, puzzles, art activities, music, socializing, and just plain having fun with your friends.

When and Where We Meet

Schedule 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
10:00	Welcome Coffee Break Current Events Homework Check
10:30	Puzzle Time
11:00	Writing & Stories
11:30	Exercise
12:00	Lunch
1:00	Music, Games, Art activities
1:45	Homework Assignment
2:00	Close

Meeting Place
Silverdale Lutheran Church
11701 Ridgepoint Drive N.W.
Silverdale, WA 98383

Meeting Time
Every Tuesday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Fees
Fees based on sliding scale. Lunch included

For information & registration, contact:
For information and registration, contact:
Carol Harcharik, Program Director
Lutheran Community Services Northwest
360-377-5511

Aging and the Mind

The mind remains one of the most mysterious parts of the human anatomy. It is part of our body – and yet it seems separate. It is where we store all of our memories, thoughts, feelings, abilities and sense of self. Our mind is what makes us who we are, our personality, our sense of humor, our ability to communicate, our values. It is what makes us recognizable to other people.

What is the mind? The short answer is, “the brain.” The brain is the primary controller of our central nervous system – the organ that tells our body what to do, that picks up and interprets signals from both in and outside our body. Made up of networks of neurons, the brain is a complex and ever-changing organ, and scientists have only begun to understand its mysteries.

Like our other body systems, the brain undergoes changes as we age – but for some people these changes are much more pronounced than for others.

Degrees of Change

As most people age, they experience a slowing down of mental ability to some degree. They have mild forgetfulness and memory delays. It takes them longer to remember a name or the right word. It becomes more difficult to learn something new or to remember what they once knew. These symptoms are all part of the normal aging process and do not constitute a disorder.

For other people, the forgetfulness, memory delays and learning difficultiesare more pronounced. The general term for severely declining mental abilities is “dementia” – a term which applies to a range of conditions, including Alzheimer’s Disease. For people with dementia, everyday tasks become increasingly difficult and their minds become increasingly confused

 

Caring For the Mind

Our minds, like our bodies, must be cared for. The mind is not a static organ; it responds to its environment, taking in and responding to stimulus. Research indicates that the mind-body connection is extremely powerful and that keeping the mind healthy and engaged affects its ability to transmit and accept signals to and from the nervous system. Most experts agree that mental stimulation as we age plays a vital role in keeping our minds alert. Playing cards with friends, reading books, and even watching movies can help our minds to stay healthy.

Activities for Staying Healthy

Persons experiencing early memory loss will benefitfrom regular activity. It is not good to sit around the house all day. There are activities that can benefit the mind and body. Some ideas for things that help exercise the mind are con-versation, hobbies, remembering, and physical activity.

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