Why Cognitive Reserve is Important and How to Build It

Cognitive reserve is defined as the brain’s ability to maintain its resiliency despite the damage or decline from normal aging, injury or disease. The Harvard Health Publishing explains it is a reflection on how agile the brain is with using skills and capacities to solve problems and cope with challenges. 

Building cognitive reserve is a life-long process and is developed through continuing to educate ourselves and having the curiosity to be open to new ideas. The concept of cognitive reserve was first brought to the attention of researchers in the late 1980s. They were beginning to study the brains of individuals through autopsies that showed advanced signs of damage to the brain consistent with Alzheimer’s disease but had not exhibited symptoms during their life. 

Experts say the contradiction is most likely caused by the person having a large enough cognitive reserve to offset the damage done by the disease, which allows them to function as usual. Further research has shown people with a large cognitive reserve can stave off other diseases such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, or a stroke as well as cope better with surgery, stress and toxins in the environment.

In order to build a strong cognitive reserve, Harvard Publishing explains it requires a concerted effort of following good lifetime habits such as prioritizing sleep, eating a plant-based diet, exercising regularly, managing stress and socializing. They also say it is important to continue to engage and challenge your brain.

The Mayo Clinic describes cognitive reserve as essentially your brain’s ability to adapt to age- or disease-related changes by drawing on existing neuronal networks or generating new neuronal connections where old ones may have failed. A study conducted by their researchers found “ordinary yet intellectually stimulating activities such as using a computer, playing games, reading books and engaging in crafts — including knitting, woodworking and other types of handiwork — were associated with a 30 to 50 percent decrease in the chances of developing mild cognitive impairment.” For example, they say you can more easily build cognitive reserves from activities such as reading a book than from watching TV.  

MorningStar of Parker’s senior living community offers the area’s finest maintenance-free living, with an array of resort-style amenities, 5-Star dining, and senior care and hospitality services. Our contemporary-style building offers 49 independent living suites and 54 assisted living suites in a choice of configurations including three styles of penthouses. For those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood has 43 suites in a choice of studio or one-bedroom units. Contact us to learn more about trusted retirement communities, assisted living and memory care. 

Source: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/healthy-brain/brain-building-how-to-grow-your-cognitive-reserve/

What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Retirement Home

Choosing a retirement community or home for yourself or a loved one takes careful research. Each home is unique, and no one home is ideal for everyone. It’s essential that you find a place that suits your — or your loved one’s — individual needs, and in order to do that, you need to consider many things.

What to Look for in a Retirement Home or Community

It can be overwhelming trying to sift through all the factors that should be considered before choosing a retirement home. However, focusing on these key factors will help you narrow your search and feel more confident in your decision: 

The Surrounding Community

Even though much of a resident’s time is spent within a retirement home or community, there are — or should be — opportunities for residents to take trips to experience the outer community. Whether it’s to the shopping mall or the ice cream parlor, the community around a retirement home is important and shouldn’t be overlooked.

Exercise and Physical Wellness

It’s more than vital for seniors to remain physically active during their time in retirement homes. Physical fitness has been linked to lower risk of everything from arthritis to depression to influenza. It’s also a mood booster and is linked to more happiness overall.

Food and Dining

Senior living communities offer nutrition that is specifically balanced and designed for seniors. The best senior living retirement communities offer many food options and different dining options. Look for homes or communities with formal dining rooms offering sit-down meals, small cafes on site, and grab-and-go snack options. 

Safety

Every senior living in a retirement home or community deserves safety. Any retirement home you may be considering needs to be impeccably clean, tidy, and safe. There should be no clutter, trash, or messes anywhere. 

For example, dining areas should be disinfected and cleared promptly. Laundry should either be done routinely, or facilities should be accessible for residents to clean their clothes.

Relationships Between Staff and Residents

A lot can be determined from the way the staff members interact with residents. Make sure to watch those interactions; you want a friendly, attentive, empathetic, and helpful community. 

Seniors deserve to have the opportunity to create meaningful relationships, and when staff members are respectful to residents and the residents are happy, it’s a strong sign that the retirement home is an excellent place for its residents.

Choosing the Best Retirement Home or Community

There are also other aspects of choosing a retirement home to keep in mind. For example, cost is always a factor, of course, and so is transportation. Consider the location of the retirement home; ideally, it should be near loved ones, medical facilities, shopping centers, and activity hubs. 

By keeping these essential factors in mind as you search, you’ll be able to find the best retirement home for your needs.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest retirement communities Portland has to offer.