Shakespeare called memory "the warder of the brain," charged with keeping watch over an individual's personal account of being. Should this sentry begin to fail, a person's own record of self can become endangered. This is a frightening prospect for most people.
Legacy Harbor, Memory Resource Center at One Senior Place, revolutionizes the way area residents cope with the staggering challenges of the Alzheimer's experience. Fortunately, there are many resources available in Brevard that can help ease the stress on patients and families. Unfortunately, those resources are fragmented and physically scattered all over the map. Legacy Harbor solves this issue by bringing all the area resources, services and information in one location.
A number of factors work against early and effective identification, assessment, treatment and coping.
> Lack of awareness of the warning signs, misunderstanding of the disease process, and plain old denial - all leading to delayed assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
> Failure to plan and prepare for the inevitable legal, financial and insurance issues
> Perception that there is little information available, or in this internet age, too much information
> Unfamiliarity with simple, basic coping strategies
> Low awareness of poor understanding of the community-based resources, such as respite and adult day care
Legacy Harbor Memory Resource Center is designed to address all of these issues, and more. A free-standing resource room inside One Senior Place, Legacy Harbor offers a one-stop source of information, education, counseling, support, and referrals. A cross between a cozy living room and a memory-themed resource library, the Center offers a wide range of services and events, including: one-on-one consultations with a Care Manager or Social Worker; memory screenings and assessments; caregiver education classes; support groups; open panel discussions with Q & A; presentations on special topics by expert guest speakers; an annual memory-themed health fair and more.
Most of the information, services and events is provided to the community at not cost. Call Legacy Harbor at 321-253-6320 for more information.
To see the current month's scheduled events click here.
To see all the events scheduled at One Senior Place, click here.
Alzheimer's and Memory Care - What You Should Know...
Memory loss has several causes. Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia affects 4.5 million Americans. The American Academy of Neurology reports that 10% of people over age 65 and nearly 50% of people over age 85 suffer from Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease is irreversible, but memory impairment associated with other conditions, such as depression or thyroid problems, may be correctable.
As with the entire body, we slow down with age. Normal forgetfulness that increases with age - known as age-associated memory impairment is frustrating but not disabling.
Age-associated memory impairment is more likely to occur when a person is tired, sick, distracted or under stress.
Methods to Assist Memory
Although age-associated memory impairment is common and is not a sign of a serious neurological disorder, it can be frustrating and socially embarrassing. The minor memory lapses that occur with age-associated memory impairment cannot be eliminated completely, but a number of strategies can improve overall memory at any age.
Place commonly lost items in a designated spot. If you are prone to losing certain items, such as keys or eyeglasses, choose a place to leave them and always put them in that spot when you are not using them.
Write things down. If you have trouble remembering phone numbers or appointments, write them down and place the list in a conspicuous spot. Making a daily "to do" list will remind you of important tasks and obligations. In fact, the simple acts of writing notes and making lists reinforce memory.
Say words out loud. Saying "I've turned off the stove" after doing so will give you an extra verbal reminder when you later try to recall whether the stove is still on. Incorporating people's names into the conversation immediately after you have met them serves the same purpose. For example, saying "very nice to meet you , Jennifer" will help consolidate the memory of the name.
Use memory aids. Use a pocket notepad, personal digital assistant, wristwatch alarm, voice recorder, or other aids to help remember what you have to do or to keep track of information.
Use visual images. When learning new information, such as a person's name, create a visual image in your mind to make the information more vivid, and therefore, more memorable.
Group items using mnemonics. A mnemonic is any technique used to aid in remembering. For example, when memorizing lists, names, addresses, and so on, try alphabetizing them or grouping them as an acronym - a word made from the first letters of a series of words. Another mnemonic technique is an acrostic. Acrostics use the first letter of each item to create new words that form a sentence or phrase (for example, "Every good boy does fine" helps you remember the order of the treble-clef line notes on sheet music: E,G, B, D, F). Use rhymes or create stories that connect each element to be remembered is also helpful. The more compact or meaningful the mnemonic or story, the easier it will be to remember the information.
Concentrate and relax. Many environmental stimuli compete for your attention at any given time. To remember something, concentrate on the items to be remembered. Pay close attention to new information and try to avoid or block out distractions. It is also important to relax. Have you ever forgotten information during a test or presentation that you know you learned well beforehand? Anxiety and stress can inhibit recall.
Rule out other causes of memory loss. If you suspect that you are having memory difficulties, consult your doctor. Some medical conditions and certain other factors can cause memory problems that can be corrected. These include depression, hearing or vision loss, thyroid dysfunction, certain medications, vitamin deficiencies, and stress. Treating these problems may improve your memory.
There is much more information available in the Senior Resource Library at One Senior Place, so drop by and find out more.