MARK YOUR MEMORY As part of her ongoing research, Dr. Maureen
Schmitter-Edgecombe says Washington State University continues to accept volunteers 50 years and older to participate in her study on memory and dementia. Participants can receive a free report on their cognitive health and memory. For more information, contact the WSU Memory in Older Adulthood and Parkinson’s Disease Research Program at (509) 335-4033, ext. 2. walk or pumping iron, the physical activity improves blood flow and increases oxygen in the brain. Seek out nutritious foods. The AARP recommends a diet stocked with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins. Fish, fruits, leafy greens, nuts and beans all seem to help slow mental decline. Alcohol, drugs or poor sleep can also undermine memory, she says. People should also keep track of any ongoing medical conditions that could complicate mental functions.
Quality Apartments... Comfortable Living subsidized FaMily HOusing OppOrtunities subsidized seniOr HOusing OppOrtunities
1600 W. Pacific SPokane, W Wa a
1401 E. Hartson spokan pokanE E, W Wa a
ApplewA pplewA Ay y Court
Richa ichaR Rd allen
600 S. Richa ichaR Rd allen cou ouR Rt Spokane, W Wa a
Canterbury Court
221 S. Farr rd Spokane Valley, W Wa a
1010 S. Rockwood Blvd Spokane, wa
LiLac Terrace
7015 N. Wiscomb spoka pokaN Ne, W Wa a
Manito Garden
2201 W. 5th Ave SpokA pokAne, WA
Park Tower
Post Falls terrace
St. Andrew ndrewS S Court
Friendship Gardens
Coventry Court
Liberty Park terrace
500 E. 29th AvE SpokA pokAnE, WA
4.BUILD GOOD HABITS
Some people forget because they don’t really listen well, Schmitter-Edgecombe says. Pay attention. Focus on the information you want to retain. When processing that information, it can help to associate it with an image or a mnemonic device that can help file the information away. Small routines can also help people remember daily tasks, she says. If you always take your pill after brushing your teeth, one task will naturally prompt the other. Those pesky car keys will probably be easier to find, she says, if you establish a habit of keeping them in the same spot all the time. Write yourself a note if necessary, she says, to start to reinforce steady habits.
5.
TRY NEW THINGS
Don’t fall into too much of a rut. Learn a new language. Explore a different part of town. Take up an unusual hobby. Schmitter-Edgecombe says the brain needs to be challenged. Break old routines and embrace new experiences. “Doing crosswords is good,” she says, “but you also want to make sure you’re trying new things.” The AARP reports even surfing new websites on the Internet appears to boost learning and mental activity. The AARP offers “Brain Games” on its site to strengthen memory and problem-solving skills. “The more you exercise it,” she says, “the more you challenge your mind.”
Opp ppO Ortunity Man anO Or 12325 E. Main Spokan pokanE E VallEy, W Wa a
217 W. Spokane Fall allSS Blvd Spokane, W Wa a
808 W. Nora Spoka pokaN Ne, W Wa a
subsidized special needs HOusing OppOrtunities
Winchester court 4101 N. Cook Spoka pokaN Ne, W Wa a
Tren renT T Terrace
Country Heig eigH Hts
6709 N. Cou ouN Ntry Homes Blvd pokaN Ne, W Wa a spoka
12426 E. Broadway avE Spokan pokanE E vallEy, wa
Market apartMent OppOrtunities P r o f e s s i o n a l ly M a n a g e d
1120 N. Idaho Post Falls, Id Id
by
We are an equal opportunity housing provider and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, mental or physical disability or familial status.
509.838.6541 • khco.com
Valley Place
12505 E. 3rd AvE SpokA pokAnE vAll llE Ey, WA
8th & Cowley
Applewood a pplewOO pplew OOd d
4403 E. e. 8th a e. Ave vE e sSpok pokane P Pokane okAnE valley all A lley Ey , W WA Wa a
AltA ltAden denA A
45 E. 8th AvE SpokA pokAnE, WA
608 S. Steven tevenSS Spokane, W Wa a
City terra erraC Ce
Madison Terrace
212 W. 7th Ave SpokA pokAne, WA
1107 S. Madi adiSSon Spokane, W Wa a
FEBRUARY-MARCH, 2013 INH_55+_02_13.indd 37
Health 37 1/24/13 8:11 AM