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Civic Coffee Recap: Brain Health

On July 22, 2024, Age Friendly Seattle held its monthly Civic Coffee in partnership with the Lake City Senior Center. Panelists Kristen Oshyn, MSW, a social worker and program manager at Greenwood Senior Center, and Janet Salsbury, MSW, a program coordinator at Elderwise, discussed brain health.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 127,000 people in Washington state have Alzheimer’s, a number expected to rise. Discussing brain health is crucial for raising awareness, recognizing early signs of cognitive decline, and providing support for individuals and their families.

Janet provided valuable insights about the signs of cognitive decline. She mentioned that one key indicator is decreased executive functioning. Executive functioning includes a range of cognitive processes such as planning, decision-making, problem-solving, and multitasking. These abilities are essential for managing everyday tasks and maintaining independence. A decrease in executive functioning can be evident in daily activities like cooking, where individuals who have cooked for years might struggle to follow familiar steps, or in managing a calendar and remembering dates.

Educating families about brain health and supporting those who care for loved ones living with memory loss is essential. Kristen emphasized that social workers are a great resource; individuals can be connected through health care providers or local senior centers. Social workers can meet with families or loved ones to discuss the challenges they face and offer guidance on how to navigate those challenges.

Elderwise is a nonprofit organization devoted to enhancing the lives of older adults with dementia. The program offers a range of engaging activities, including supported conversation, painting, music and singing, shared meals, and movement. Inspired by the Waldorf educational philosophy, Elderwise focuses on holistic, experiential learning, combined with a broader philosophy of “spirit-centered care” that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit of each individual, encouraging conversation and creativity.

Greenwood Senior Center’s Memory Loss Program was established 12 years ago in response to the need for a supportive community for individuals living with memory loss, their caregivers, and those who care for people with memory loss. The center offers a variety of programs designed to enhance social connections, creativity, and overall well-being for individuals at various stages of memory loss. Their offerings include an art appreciation program featuring viewings of classic and contemporary visual art and guided discussions in a relaxed and supportive setting. Additional programs include support groups for individuals with memory loss, fostering connections with others facing similar challenges, and caregiver support groups, providing a space for caregivers to exchange experiences and receive support.

Both programs incorporate art into their memory loss initiatives. Kristen highlighted that art plays a special role in brain health because it can be accessed through emotions rather than words. Janet added that art serves as a powerful form of self-expression. In her experience as a facilitator at Elderwise, she has observed that, through painting and other art activities, older adults at various stages of memory loss are able to express themselves and communicate without relying on spoken language.

Both panelists noted that these activities can be done at home with support from a care partner or loved one. Examples of at-home activities are playing classical music while drawing and going for a neighborhood walk. Physical movements, especially those involving hand-eye coordination, are beneficial for cognitive function, as they help stimulate the brain and support overall activity.

Social interaction is an integral part of both organizations’ programs. Kristen shared a popular hypothesis that social interaction positively impacts the brain by helping develop cognitive reserve. This reserve refers to the brain’s capacity to utilize alternative neural pathways or strategies to maintain cognitive function. Additionally, social interaction can reduce stress, further supporting overall brain health.

Technology can be a valuable tool for supporting daily life, offering benefits such as calendar reminders and engaging games to help with organization and cognitive stimulation. For example, digital reminders can assist with managing appointments and tasks, while interactive games can provide mental exercise and entertainment. It’s important to use technology thoughtfully, however, and ensure it complements other aspects of well-being. Balancing technological aids with in-person social interactions, physical activity, and meaningful engagement can help create a well-rounded approach to maintaining a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle.

Another great resource is the University of Washington’s Memory Hub, which provides valuable support for individuals and their loved ones experiencing memory loss. The Hub offers various resources and an environment that promotes meaningful connections to reduce isolation.

A vital part of supporting older adults with memory loss is ensuring that their caregivers have necessary tools and resources. Kristen mentioned that caregiver support groups provide crucial emotional and practical support to those who care for individuals living with memory loss. These groups offer caregivers a safe space to share their experiences, gain insights from others in similar situations, and receive guidance on managing the complexities of caregiving. They can reduce feelings of isolation and stress by connecting caregivers with a community that understands their challenges.

At the end of the discussion, Kristen emphasized that maintaining brain health involves recognizing key factors such as social interaction, physical exercise, and cognitive engagement, while ensuring that individuals select activities that are both interesting and enjoyable for them. Janet highlighted that for caregivers supporting older adults with memory loss, it is essential to seek out community resources to build a strong support system.

Age Friendly Seattle is grateful for Kristen’s and Janet’s insights and resources on brain health for older adults, as well as to the Lake City Senior Center for its partnership in hosting this Civic Coffee event.

Connect with Age Friendly Seattle to learn about upcoming Civic Coffees and other events. Visit seattle.gov/agefriendly/programs/events and bookmark Aging King County’s Age Friendly Live—Virtual Events webpage.

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Contributor Fathima Garcia is an intern with Age Friendly Seattle. She is studying Human Resources Management at the University of Washington Foster School of Business.

Photos above (left to right): Janet Salsbury, MSW; Elderwise; Kristen Oshyn, MSW, Greenwood Senior Center; and Dinah Stephens, Age Friendly Seattle Program Manager.

This article appeared in the September 2024 issue of AgeWise King County.