Two elderly couples were enjoying friendly conversation when one of the men asked the other, “Fred, how was the memory clinic you went to last month?” “Outstanding,” Fred replied. “They taught us all the latest psychological techniques: visualization, association, etc. It was great.” “That’s great! And what was the name of the clinic?” Fred went blank. He thought and thought but couldn’t remember. Then a smile broke across his face and he asked, “What do you call that flower with the long stem and thorns?”
“You mean a rose?”
“Yes, that’s it!” He turned to his wife, “Rose, what was the name of that memory clinic?”
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This joke wasn’t one I left out from last week — well, actually it was, but it was also told by Kevin Duff (associate director of the OADRC-Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Center), at the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s Educating Across America Tour that I attended in Portland last month.
He spoke about the normal changes in brain function: processing speed slows, and our ability to remember gradually declines with age. But he also discussed how to maintain brain health and reduce the risk of dementia: staying social, engaging your brain, managing stress, exercising, sleeping well, and eating right.
But more specifically, he suggested:
• Dance, dance, dance! Dancing provides social benefits and keeps you moving. In addition, learning new steps can challenge your brain, as I’ve found when trying to memorize the steps in different line dances!
• Play video games. There is evidence that certain video games can improve cognitive functioning. For example, Labyrinth can improve memory, and Portal 2 can sharpen problem-solving skills.
• Be happy. Depression puts you at risk, but it is treatable.
• Find a hobby. Gardening, book clubs, and crafts are examples.
• Wear a helmet. Head injuries are a major cause of death among older adults. So, if you see me wearing a helmet, it’s not because I just got off my Harley-Davidson.
• Visit your doctor. Schedule your annual Medicare wellness exam, including cognitive testing, if you are noticing symptoms that are interfering with your daily activities.
• Choose your parents wisely. Okay, it is a little late for that one!
I also learned that the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America provides a helpline for anyone living with dementia and their caregivers, seven days a week beginning at 6 p.m. It is free and easy to use. Call 866-232-8484 or text 646-586-5283.
You can also visit their website at alzfdn.org. to chat with a virtual assistant 24/7, schedule a virtual memory screening appointment, or explore Alzheimer’s & Dementia Online Training Courses.
Unfortunately, there is not yet a known way to prevent Alzheimer’s, but there are ways to reduce the risk, so you can avoid needing a hint to remember your spouse’s name!
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Brain Tease: Here are five riddles to engage your brain. Hopefully, there is one that will stump you.
1. What begins with T, ends with T, and has T in it?
2. What tastes better than it smells?
3. Forward I’m heavy; backward I’m not. What am I?
4. What can you hold in your right hand, but never in your left hand?
5. I have a thumb and four fingers but I’m not alive. What am I?
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The name of Mad magazine’s mascot was Alfred E. Newman. I received correct answers from Doug Nelson, Bruce Johnson, Donn Mollet, Shelley Hinatsu, Pat Evenson-Brady, Dave Lutgens, David Liberty, Jess Birge, Eva Summers, Stephen Woolpert, Rhonda Spies, Lana Tepfer, and Andy Marker.
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And for the week before, the cigarette that “tastes good like a cigarette should” was Winstons. I received correct answers from Sandy Haechrel, Nancy Higgins, Tina Castanares, Becky Podvent, Lana Tepfer, Dave Lutgens, Eva Summers, Judy Kiser, Donna Mollet, Doug Nelson, Rhonda Spies, Bruce Johnson, David Liberty, Keith and Marlene Clymer, Jess Birge, Craig Terry, and Charlotte Arnold.
And the winners of a quilt raffle ticket each are Charlotte Arnold, and Jess Birge, who still has an Alfred E. Neuman for President pin.
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This actor won three Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor, but he is best known for starring in the television series “The Real McCoys.” For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the actor who played Grandpa Amos in “The Real McCoys” from 1957-1963? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-980-4645, or send it with a DVD of the movie “The Over-the-Hill Gang” (1969).
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Well, it’s been another week, relying upon GPS w-a-a-a-y too much! Until we meet again, if you go the wrong way, take time to enjoy the view.
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“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.”
— Robert Frost
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Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.
Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) — Wednesdays with music on second and fourth Wednesdays; Dufur — Wednesdays at noon at 320 NE Second St.; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333).
For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services at the Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068), and in Skamania County, call Senior Services (509-427-3990).
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