Blue Zone Your Memory No.43: Anger Management

It is important that when we are looking for ways to enhance our brain function that we also consider how our emotions impact the efficiency of the brain and memory recall. Last month we explored the benefits of joy for improving memories and reducing stress, and this month we will open the discussion for how anger can interrupt memory recall and increase stress. Researchers have investigated how anger interferes with the brain’s cue processing ability and how anger triggers the amygdala to hijack almost all of the most efficient regions of the brain for decision-making and impulse control. Certainly, anger management would be a good intervention or treatment plan to add when building a personal wellness program.

Team HCC: Gingerbread House and Train Project

Projects that promote sensory and motor challenges also promote social decision-making. More importantly they are fun and a great way to make new friends!

Team Alzheimer's Support: The Longest Day

The Longest Day Walk sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association raises awareness and funds for Alzheimer's disease research and support. Community members and the staff of St. Leonard participated to show their support. According to tihe Alzheimer's Association every 69 seconds someone in the United States is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Blue Zone Your Memory No: 32: Hoarding

The hoarding disorder is a new disorder that is scheduled to be added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-V) in 2013. Research has indicated that PTSD, depression, damage to the frontal lobes of the cortex, and even genetic factors may contribute to this disorder (Sorrell, J. 2012).

Treatment can range from pharmacological interventions, to self-help support groups, and psychotherapy. Hoarding can cause serious health and safety problems and create self-isolation tendencies. The significance of the medical community acknowledging the hoarding disorder as separate from OCDs will mean that research and treatment will continue, and comorbidity will be less likely to obscure the real issue.  

Virtual Team Memory Pillars Update!

 

Our last research topic looked at Narrative Therapy:


Elders with memory loss often experience anxiety and depression as they feel their identities slip out of their own control. The paper argues that narrative therapy can help people with dementia revise their stories and reclaim their identities as their personal histories become less accessible to them. The paper presents case examples in which unique outcomes emerged when elders with memory loss resisted the cultural imperative to perceive their lives in sequential order and instead emphasized character traits and thematic patterns in their stories. The paper recommends ways to adapt narrative therapy so elders can create a meaningful sense of self. 


We need your input and experience and please invite others to join our research team -Debra

Virtual Team Memory Pillars Update: Perceived Control

Virtual Team Memory Pillars examined the factors that might reduce memory recall. According to research, an environment where there is low perceived control over events and circumstances can inhibit memory recall. Our research revealed that offering choices, and an environment where contribution is accepted, and where stress in minimized improves memory recall.

To join this team call Debra at 937-439-7117

San Domiano Residence: Open House!

~Photos submitted by project photographer Denise~

San Domiano Residence: Memory Support Update!

~photos submitted by project photographer Denise~

San Domiano Residency Update: Last Minute Details!

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~photos submitted by project photographer Denise~