Understanding and Caring for your Brain

 Seniors Helping Seniors In-Home Care Recognizes Alzheimers and Brain Awareness MonthSeniors Helping Seniors Southwestern PA in-home care underscores the importance of compassionate support for those living with Alzheimers and the families who care for them.  PITTSBURGH, PA June marks Alzheimers and Brain Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the more than 7 million Americans currently living with Alzheimers or other forms of dementia a number projected to nearly double by 2050. In honor of this important month, Seniors Helping Seniors Southwestern PA in-home care is raising awareness about the role compassionate in-home care can play in improving the quality of life for those affected by the disease. According to the 2024 Alzheimers Disease Facts and Figures report, nearly 12 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimers and other dementias. These caregivers often experience high levels of emotional, physical and financial stress. Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care offers relief through peer-based, non-medical services designed to help seniors remain safely and comfortably in their homes while easing the responsibilities placed on caregivers. Our mission is to provide support, dignity and companionship to seniors including those facing memory challenges, said C.J. Girod, President of Seniors Helping Seniors Southwestern PA. By matching seniors who need care with active, compassionate older adults, we create a connection that enhances quality of life for both the caregiver and the care recipient. Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care provides flexible support with tasks such as meal preparation, transportation, medication reminders, light housekeeping and, perhaps most importantly, companionship a service that can be especially meaningful for those navigating memory loss. With new treatments for Alzheimers emerging and awareness on the rise, we believe its vital to offer families the support they need to navigate this journey, said Namrata Yocom-Jan, president of Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care. We are proud to be part of the care solution, providing personalized, respectful services that promote dignity and connection. ABOUT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS: Seniors Helping Seniors franchise system was founded by husband-and-wife duo Kiran and Philip Yocom. Kiran, who grew up in India, later worked to advance humanitarian efforts alongside Mother Teresa. After moving to the U.S. in 1995 and marrying her husband Philip, the Yocoms felt called to provide loving care to seniors and to cultivate an exchange of gifts at every generational level. Together, the Yocoms founded Seniors Helping Seniors in-home services in 1998, opening the brand up to franchising in 2006. With a mission to be the most respected and rewarding home care provider in the U.S., Seniors Helping Seniors locations stand apart from competitors as the only company that prioritizes hiring active seniors to provide care services to their less-active counterparts. Seniors Helping Seniors service aligns caregivers and care recipients based on the abilities and needs of both by offering a wide range of care services. Seniors Helping Seniors network has grown to 400 territories nationwide and over 200 franchise partners in 37 states. For more information on Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care, visit https://seniorshelpingseniors.com/.

Even the healthiest individuals can be quick to complain theyre not thinking as fast as they once did. Words and names may not come to mind as readily. And learning new tasks could become more of a challenge. Perhaps youve witnessed this in an aging loved one. Or maybe youre seeing it in yourself.Common causes or problems with memory or thinking abilities may include medication side-effects, problems with hormones, infections, or damage to brain neurons.While research findings remain inconclusive, more scientists are studying the benefits of brain fitness games for older adults including those with dementia.Downloadable AppsThere are a lot of apps and other tools on the market that claim to help with memory training. From an app store, you can download apps of their favorite game shows, such as Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and Family Feud.Need More? 5 Free Brain Training Apps for Older AdultsThese brain games might be great for your loved one to do alone or with you or other family members. Check out additional ideas at Very Well Mind.1. Luminosity: Over three billion games have been played by more than 85 million peopleCreated by more than 100 researchers from around the globe and launched in 2007, this was one of the first apps in the brain-training empire. They help older adults by providing exercises devised to improve five areas of cognitive function: problem-solving, memory, attention, speed and flexibility.2. Peak: Short, intense workouts plus a virtual coach to track your progressIs your older adult looking for something quick? Why not try mini games, which push you hard with short, intense workouts. These mental gymnastics help boost memory, problem-solving, concentration, language and more. Utilizing research from scientists from prestigious universities like Cambridge and Yale, Peak was rated by Google in 2016 as one of the best Android apps.3. Elevate: One of iPhone's best apps in past decadeElevate can set older adults up with daily entertaining-yet-challenging games to help build communication and analytical abilities. Their mini games are geared toward strengthening focus, memory, reading comprehension and other cognitive skills.4. Cognifit Brain Fitness: Brain games and moreWhat stands out in this app designed by neuroscientists are its specific programs to stimulate or rehabilitate brain function in people with conditions like dementia, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, multiple sclerosis, brain injuries and more. If you or your senior thrive on social interaction (which also can help keep your brain healthy), you can challenge friends and see how you rank in real-time monitoring.5. Braingle: Free website that provides more than 15,000 puzzles, games and brain teasersBraingle is a place to solve puzzles, brush up on your trivia, play games and give your brain a workout. Braingle has a wide variety of offerings, including optical illusions, codes and ciphers, and trivia quizzes. You can even create your own puzzles to give your brain a super workout.While technology may be beneficial, so too is one-on-one contact with others and the personal relationships that result. Reach out to Home Instead to learn more about how trained Care Professionals provide companionship to older adults.

Starting your day with brain exercises is one of the most effective ways to maintain cognitive health, improve memory, and enhance mental agility. Just like physical exercise strengthens the body, mental exercises help keep the brain sharp, reducing the risk of cognitive decline and boosting overall productivity. By engaging in simple yet effective activities each morning, you can stimulate neural connections, improve focus, and set a positive tone for the rest of the day. One of the most powerful ways to enhance cognitive function is through mindful meditation. Practicing mindfulness for just a few minutes each morning helps reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance memory retention. It allows the brain to enter a relaxed yet focused state, promoting better emotional regulation and decision-making skills. Research has shown that regular meditation can even lead to long-term changes in brain structure, increasing grey matter density in areas responsible for learning and memory. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities such as puzzles, chess, or brain-training apps is another effective way to activate different areas of the brain. These activities improve problem-solving skills, encourage critical thinking, and enhance memory. Dedicating just 10 to 15 minutes each morning to solving crossword puzzles or playing logic-based games can significantly strengthen cognitive flexibility and mental sharpness. Physical exercise also plays a crucial role in maintaining brain health. Activities like stretching, yoga, or even a brisk morning walk increase blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and essential nutrients that support cognitive function. Exercise has been linked to the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that promotes the growth of new neurons and enhances memory. Movements that require coordination, such as dancing, are particularly effective in improving brain plasticity and boosting cognitive resilience. Writing is another powerful brain-boosting activity that enhances memory recall, sharpens language skills, and improves problem-solving abilities. Journaling or expressive writing in the morning allows you to organize your thoughts, set goals, and express emotions, which can reduce stress and enhance mental clarity. Research suggests that writing by hand activates areas of the brain associated with learning and comprehension, making it an excellent exercise for cognitive health. Challenging the brain with new information every morning also helps stimulate neural connections and strengthen mental agility. Whether its reading an article, learning a new word, practicing a foreign language, or even picking up a musical instrument, acquiring new knowledge supports long-term brain health. Studies have shown that lifelong learning reduces the risk of age-related cognitive decline and improves problem-solving skills. Another effective mental exercise is visualization, which involves mentally picturing a task, goal, or scene to enhance cognitive function. Mental mappingsuch as visualizing your daily route, the layout of your home, or a specific environment in detailcan strengthen spatial awareness and memory. This practice also enhances problem-solving abilities and fosters creativity, making it a valuable technique for boosting cognitive performance. Incorporating these brain exercises into your morning routine can have long-lasting benefits for cognitive health. The brain is most receptive to stimulation in the morning when it is well-rested and free from distractions. By prioritizing mental fitness through activities like meditation, puzzles, physical exercise, writing, learning, and visualization, you can boost productivity, enhance focus, and promote overall well-being. Consistently practicing these habits trains the brain to remain agile, resilient, and efficient, helping you stay mentally sharp throughout life.