Yes it is possible, even as we grow older, to increase our memory or, at the very least, to preserve what memory we have.

Our memory is affected by certain types of decline as we age such as a slower processing speed, a decrease in our ability to multi-task and a growing annoyance with tip of the tongue issues. However, there is hope.  Through challenging our brain and learning new things, we can actually generate new brain cells and create new pathways between them.  This can result in a phenomenon called cognitive reserve – a type of extra “tank of gas” in our brains which can help us stave off memory decline.

Beginning on Wednesday, September 10th from 12:30 to 2PM Lauren Heinatz from ComForcare Home Care will be teaching people how to maximize the memory they have and even improve it in a series of 7 classes. The cost is $35.00 per person or $60.00 per couple.  For residents of Jason Lee or Willson House the fee is $15.00 per person.  Fee includes the instruction as well as over 200 activity sheets.

To register for the class or to get more information call Shari at 503.585.6511.  Willson House is located at 1625 Center St. NE in Salem. 

I recently attended a wonderful workshop by Mike Studer, owner of Northwest Rehabilitation Associates in Salem.  The topic of his workshop was about the benefits of exercise, particularly to those living with Parkinson’s disease.  Studies have shown, according to Mike, that intense exercise causes the brain to release a dopamine-like substance that is protective to the brain.  Exercise has no side effects so it’s much better to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s such as weakness, tremors, freezing/shuffling, posture and imbalance.

A series of simple exercises can be done to build up the strength in the legs such as sitting in a comfortable chair and standing and sitting down again for 20 seconds to start with.  Each day add a few more repetitions until you are able to sit and stand for a full minute.  A good way to judge the amount of time you exercise is to do it during commercials since they are generally 30 seconds long!  You won’t miss your favorite show AND you will reap the benefits of increased strength and stamina in your legs.
Mike went on to say that regardless of why you exercise studies show that making time for exercise, even walking 20 minutes 5 days a week, will provide mental benefits as well as benefits to your heart and lungs. 

According to an article in the Huffington Post by Sophia Breene there are many other reasons to exercise that can lead to a healthier and happier life overall.  Some include:

    •    Reduce Stress
    •    Improve Self Confidence
    •    Prevent Cognitive Decline
    •    Alleviate anxiety
    •    Boost your brainpower
    •    Sharpen Memory

To read 7 more reasons to strap on those tennis shoes each week, go to Sophia’s article at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/27/mental-health-benefits-exercise_n_2956099.html

Whether it’s to get a better looking, healthier body, increase your memory, or just to live a happier life, find a form of exercise that appeals to you and do if for your health’s sake.  

There are properties in apples that no other fruit has and the many benefits to your overall health have been proven.  An apple a day MAY keep memory loss away!

At Willson House, our new chef, Chris Feskens, has revamped our menu adding lots of fresh fruits and vegetables for our residents and guests.  One of the goals at Willson House is to provide our residents with the best quality of life possible and to help them stay as healthy as we can both in body and mind.

In addition to apples being good for our brains here are 8 other reasons to eat them:

1-Apples contains Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps greatly your immune system.

2-Prevent Heart Diseases. The reason it can prevent both coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease is because apples are high in antioxidants.

3-Low in calories. A regular size apple has between 70-100 calories.

4-Prevent Cancers. Notice the plural. We all know that cancer comes in several forms and in different places. Apples target multiple cancers such as colon cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer in women.

5-Apples contain phenols, which have a double effect on cholesterol. It reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol. They prevent LDL cholesterol from turning into oxidized LDL, a very dangerous form of bad cholesterol which can be deadly.

6-Prevent tooth decay. Tooth decay is an infection that seriously damages the structure of your teeth, which is caused primarily because of bacteria. The juice of the apples has properties that can kill up to 80% of bacteria. So there you have it, an apple a day also keeps the dentist away!

7-Protects your brain from brain disease. This is something many people don’t know, and when you consider that your brain makes the person you are, it gives a whole new perspective. Apple has substances called phytonutrients, and these phytonutrients prevents neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinsonism.

8-Healthier Lungs. A research at the University of Nottingham Research shows that people who eat 5 apples or more per week has lower respiratory problems, including asthma.

9-They taste great! And not only that, they also come in many flavors and colors.

Read the full article here.

Whether we like it or not we all grow older.  Learn how to do it WELL with the information from our Panel of Experts who present a workshop at Willson House on June 4th from 6:30pm to 8pm:

Monica D. Pacheco graduated from the Willamette University College of Law and joined the form of Douglas, Conroyd, Gibb & Pacheco.  Her presentation concentrates on estate planning and elder law, particularly as it relates to Medicaid, VA Aid & Attendance and disability planning.

Christy Turner is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. She will talk about how as we age we want to remain in control of our own lives.  To do that we MUST be prepared should the day come that we can no longer speak for ourselves.  Do your loved ones know exactly what YOU want them to do? Where will you live?  What are your personal preferences for your care?

Lauren Heinatz,Transitions Director for ComForcare Home Care, is a certified Cognitive Stimulation Instructor trained by Dr. Winningham. Lauren will tell us how the brain works, why it forgets & various ways to increase focus, attention & memory from.

Jillien Smith, BS, ACC/MC will speak about on spiritual well being & how to nourish your spirit & grow in this area of your life.  Jillien will offer spiritual tools for reviewing your life, resolving past issues & walking in greater inner freedom.

Join us for delicious snacks, door prizes, and a worksheet from each presenter. Pre-registration required. Click here to register for workshop.
Questions? Call Mary at 503.502.4509 for more information.

What does Ellen DeGeneres do every day that helps her avoid memory loss by up to 75%??  She dances!  Neurologist Majid Fothui, says in a new study, “dancing involves your whole brain, from the ‘sequencing’ of steps in your left hemisphere to the spatial memory in your right hemisphere.”

Learning this fact about staying active by dancing is one of the many things you can learn in Dr. Winningham’s Certified Cognitive Stimulation Workshop to be held on May 16-17th at Willson House. This workshop, taught by Robert G. Winningham, Ph.D., is open to professionals of all disciplines who care for persons with varying levels of cognitive impairment. The course is ideal for those who work in assisted living, skilled nursing or home health care settings. In addition, the course is the best available for those who are interested in starting their own cognitive stimulation program. 



Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be given the opportunity to take an examination to become a Certified Cognitive Stimulation Instructor. 10.5 CEUs will be given at the completion of the course. Click here to register for this workshop sponsored by ComForcare Senior Services, Christy Turner at Dementia Care Management and Propac, or call Mary Reitan at 503.502.45096 for more information.