May is National Mediterranean Diet Month and an ideal time to revisit the MIND diet for healthy brain aging. According to a 2023 study published in BMC Medicine, a Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of dementia by up to 23%. At its core, a Mediterranean diet emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods that are abundant in the Mediterranean region.
The Girards like to do most activities together. However, for Terry, who has vascular dementia, and her husband and caregiver Ed, it is healthy and important to find activities that Terry can do on her own. Terry, who is used to working with her hands because of her past favorite activity of weaving on historic looms at the Genesee Country Village & Museum, now enjoys using Lego to create mosaics. Lego has been shown to improve concentration, motivation, and creativity in people living with dementia. The Girards' story may provide inspiration for you to try something new with your loved one.
Nearly 44 million will travel this Memorial Day Weekend, according to estimates from the travel agency AAA. This holiday also marks for some the official start of Summer, a popular time of year for family vacations and day trips to nearby favorite destinations. If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, but have limited these types of activities out of concern for how to manage the dynamics, with our help and a little planning, you may find yourself getting back on the road again. Travel is good for you, as the caregiver, and your loved one with dementia.
If you are caring for a person living with dementia at home, Mondays with Mimi is where you can have your questions answered. In her 20 years at St. John’s, Mimi DeVinney (our Dementia/Quality of Life Specialist) has heard dozens of questions about caring for people living with dementia. Go to the Ask Mimi page of St. John’s Online Dementia Resource Center to see Mimi’s answers to newly submitted questions.
