How Memory Care Benefits Cognitive Stimulation

A 2023 article says an estimated 6.7 million U.S. citizens aged 65 and older have Alzheimer's. The number of Alzheimer's patients is expected to balloon to 13.8 million by 2060.

It's lucky, then, that memory care centers have established techniques for enhancing cognitive function in residents. Cognitive stimulation activities are specifically designed to:

  • Improve memory
  • Improve attention and concentration
  • Increase problem-solving skills

You can think of them as ways to help keep the mind strong and organized. But what exactly are these activities for dementia patients, and how do they work? Keep reading to learn more.

What Are Cognitive Stimulation Activities?

Cognitive stimulation activities or cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is a non-pharmacological, evidence-backed approach to treating behaviors and physiological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

If all that sounds complicated, we'll simplify it: CST mitigates symptoms and behaviors associated with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. CST doesn't use medicine but participatory activities.

What Is BPSD?

BPSD is a collection of neurological and psychological symptoms that come with dementia. BPSD can heavily impact the course of treatment and management of an illness.

Despite this, it's important to understand BPSD to improve individual treatment processes. Accurately listing loved ones' symptoms is vital so carers can accommodate their needs.

Below is a list of possible symptoms. Note that not everyone experiences all these manifestations of BPSD.

Behavioral and physiological symptoms of dementia fall into five "domains" and include:

  • Cognitive/perceptual
    • Delusions
    • Hallucinations
    • Memory loss
  • Motor
    • Aberrant motor activity (AMB)
      • Repetitive movements
      • Inability to stay still
      • Irregular pacing
      • Wandering
  • Verbal
    • Yelling
    • Calling out
    • Verbal aggression
    • Repetitive speech
  • Emotional
    • Anxiety
    • Apathy
    • Depression
    • Disinhibition
    • Irritability
    • Instability
    • Agitation and aggression
    • Euphoria
  • Vegetative
    • Sleep disturbance
    • Disturbances in appetite

BPSD often causes patients to feel isolated and helpless. Neurological issues can lead to increased falls -- which may lead to serious injury or death. There is a general decrease in patients' quality of life.

CST and Its Role in Memory Care

Cognitive stimulation therapy doesn't use medications but rather is used alongside them. The medication manages dementia symptoms and helps slow memory decline.

CST may help with symptoms like memory loss and anxiety. However, the focus is on improving patients' quality of life; the goal is to ensure memory care residents can have more active, fulfilling lives.

Cognitive stimulation activities offer a holistic approach to dementia care. It combines mental, social, and emotional stimulation. We'll explore specific ways CST helps residents later in the article.

What Do Cognitive Stimulation Activities Do?

The primary goal of senior cognitive exercises is to stimulate cognitive abilities. But first, we need to take a detour -- what is cognition? We've mentioned it a lot, but what does it mean?

Cognition refers to the mental processes that happen in the brain, and they include:

  • Thinking
  • Memory
  • Attention
  • Language
  • Learning
  • Perception

Together, these mental processes help people function throughout daily life. You may have heard of older adults having issues with activities of daily living (ADLs). These include tasks like grooming and housekeeping.

Decreased cognitive ability can often lead to someone's ability to perform ADLs. Grooming slips their mind, and they forget chores.

The Three Aims of CST

We mentioned three goals cognitive stimulation therapy set out to do in the introduction. The first goal is to improve memory by focusing on recall and retention techniques.

These exercises help dementia patients metaphorically flex their memory muscles. The second aim is to improve patient attention and concentration.

CST does this by having memory care center residents take part in concurrent tasks and conversations. Doing multiple tasks at once helps strengthen focus and concentration.

The third thing cognitive stimulation activities seek to carry out is to boost residents' problem-solving skills. Many CST activities involve puzzles, which enhance mental flexibility and problem-solving skills.

Types of Senior Cognitive Exercises

Activities to enhance cognitive function are often group activities designed to cater to the interests of the participants. These tasks are tailored, so residents have fun in a relaxed environment.

You can group memory care activities into six general classifications. The first is discussion, in which participants may talk about current events, news articles, or topics of interest.

Conversing about personal memories and experiences based on certain themes is common. The second is puzzles and games -- helpful therapies that include word games, word search puzzles, and calculation exercises.

The third to sixth categories are as follows:

  • Music
    • Singing
    • Playing instruments
    • Listening to music
  • Creative expression
    • Painting
    • Drawing
    • Crafting
    • Sculpting
  • Practical activities
    • Baking
    • Cooking
    • Gardening
  • Physical exercise
    • Participants perform low-impact activities
      • Swimming
      • Walking
      • Biking
      • Elliptical

What Are the Benefits of Cognitive Stimulation Activities?

We've mentioned the mental effects of senior cognitive exercises, but what are the emotional and social benefits? Many people undergoing this therapy experience increased self-esteem and confidence.

One of the best cognitive health tips we can offer is this -- never patronize dementia patients. They're aware they're having memory issues and don't need anyone rubbing it in.

While your behavior can help, completing cognitive exercises gives them a much-needed external source of self-esteem. CST can enhance patients' moods and improve their emotional well-being.

The group activities encourage socialization, and the earned sense of accomplishment boosts positive emotions. Group-based cognitive stimulation activities also improve social skills and communication.

Participants can forge social bonds and may experience lowered feelings of isolation. People with dementia experience a heightened quality of life due to the cognitive, social, and emotional benefits of CST.

Improving Quality of Life With Memory Care

Cognitive stimulation activities help enhance cognitive function via three goals, the first of which is memory improvement. The second and third are to improve attention and concentration and increase problem-solving skills.

CST helps memory care patients become happier, healthier people. They forge social bonds with therapy group members. The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights combines boutique hotel living with empathetic memory care.

Our Gourmet Bites Cuisine allows residents to dine on bite-sized meal portions. We have a Memory Care Courtyard and a greenhouse for horticultural therapy.

You can trust our Brooklyn community to provide excellent care for your loved ones. Fill out this form and get in touch as soon as possible.

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