Seattle-area seniors slowing, reversing memory loss

As we get older, we all tend to forget things from time to time. So it’s understandable that it’s the case for 90-year-old Earl Collins.

“I don’t worry about it, but it happens. A name I want; I can’t remember,” he said.

But at Seattle’s Aegis Living on Capitol Hill, Earl is among those seeing the benefits of dramatic and exciting new ways technology and other techniques are helping slow or even reverse memory loss.

“You have to keep using it or lose it,” he said.

It’s an old adage, but new research is finding just how true that is. And even more importantly, that memory loss can be reversed.

That’s why many days you’ll find Earl perched in front of a computer running a program called Dakim Fitness in a dedicated brain center at the upscale, apartment-like complex assisted-living complex.

“There’ll be music, mathematics, things you have to remember,” he said as he demonstrated the program that resembles many of the most popular video games.

But researchers are finding using programs like Dakim Fitness, or one of the many popular apps like Lumosity, is just a small part of keeping our brains healthy.

Researchers are increasingly finding our brains thrive on variety and diversity.

Aegis is at the forefront of incorporating music, art, theater, lectures and a number of other activities including daily exercise at its 12 assisted and senior-living centers around the Puget Sound area.

“When that is done consistently, we have seen really good results,” says Rob Liebreich, a regional general manager with Aegis.

“All of a sudden they couldn’t recall their name before, now they can recall. Weren’t able to spell their name before, now they can. Are able to sleep better, eat better,” he said.

It’s not just for seniors. Regular brain fitness can help us all slow or even stave off the inevitable effects of aging.

“It’s fantastic to be training your brain and trying new things all the time, learning new languages and playing musical instruments like Earl,” said Chris Corrigall, vice president of life enrichment for Aegis. “I think it’s critical.”

Research is showing that isolation is a significant cause of memory loss and cognitive decline.

At Aegis, virtually all of the programs bring people together and keep them from hiding out, or checking out.

“They’ve created over 200 blankets for foster children, having a sense of purpose and giving back,” Collins said.

“They have a very active gardening group and a very active library group. We’re putting on a murder mystery coming up in our drama club, which is our seventh production that the residents have put on. So this is not your grandmother’s assisted living.”

At 90, Earl still volunteers regularly with the YMCA, attends lectures and other events, plays the trombone, and gets together regularly for coffee with friends in his old Magnolia neighborhood. And he has no plans to slow down anytime soon.

With all he’s got going on, some days it’s hard to squeeze in the computer exercises.

But just like going to the gym, he says there’s no doubt taking roughly 20 minutes at least three times a week makes him feel better and sharper.

“I finished, I feel like I did pretty well. And good for me,” he said as he signed off from the brain fitness program.

It’s a lesson that’s good for all of us, regardless of our age.

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