2. Brainercise for Week 13

TIP

Remember, it is not important whether these exercises are easy or difficult.

Over the course of the program, the participant will engage in numerous cognitive processes which is what will keep the healthy areas of their brain active.

This is what can build and strengthen their cognitive reserve and increase their brain’s neuroplasticity to help slow dementia-related decline.

TIP

There may be steps that they cannot complete depending on what area(s) of the brain have been damaged.

Use the Process-Focused Strategy Phrases to encourage them as much as possible and only complete the steps that they are unable to complete at all.

What matters is the participant attempts each of the steps to the best of their ability at this moment. 

TIP

Complete the Seated Stretch exercises before beginning to increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain.

Click the link to view the Seated Stretch Instructions: https://brainstimforseniors.com/lessons/2-motion-seated-stretch-instructions/

TIP

To relieve anxiety, also do the Just Breathe! exercise or one of the Mindfulness Moments exercises.

Click the link to view the Just Breathe! Instructions: https://brainstimforseniors.com/lessons/1-just-breathe-instructions/

Click the link to view the Mindfulness Moments Instructions: https://brainstimforseniors.com/lessons/3-mindfulness-moments-instructions/

TIP

Complete the GIG of the Day Emotional Support Activities prior to beginning the Brainercise activity so everyone will be in a positive, happy state of mind.

Click the link to access the GIG of the Day Emotional Support Activities: https://brainstimforseniors.com/access-my-courses/emotional-support/

TIP

Click here for information about the process to follow when doing the Brainercise Exercises: https://brainstimforseniors.com/lessons/5-about-the-cognitive-engagements-of-the-day/

TIP

Before beginning the exercises, have the participant look back and forth to the right and then to the left a few times without moving the head.

Science suggests this movement increases concentration and problem-solving ability.

Brainercise 13a

Kit Supplies Needed:

Instructions:

• Weave a pipe cleaner through the medium-sized holes.
• Weave another pipe cleaner through the smallest sized holes.
• Weave another pipe cleaner through the largest holes.

Comments:

If weaving is too difficult, try to poke the pipe cleaners through one side and out of the holes on the other side of the cones.

Brainercise 13b

Kit Supplies Needed: 

Instructions:

• Tear the paper into tiny shreds.
• Use the pieces to make a picture of your choice.

Comments:

The smaller the pieces are, the more pieces you will have to make your picture.

Brainercise 13c

Kit Supplies Needed:

Instructions:

• Spread the letters apart on the table.
• Pick any category.
• Toss a ring at the letters and try to land the ring around one.
• Name something within the category you chose that starts with the letter the ring is around or closest to.
• Continue until you have gotten the ring around each letter.

Comments:

If you have more time, choose another category and start over. To make it more challenging, close your eyes when you toss the ring.

Brainercise 13d

Kit Supplies Needed:

Instructions:

• Copy these 5-word scrambles onto the top of the cards.
• Each card should have 1 word scramble on it.
• See if you can unscramble each word using the hint provided. Hints are in parentheses. The category is “jobs”.
• Write the real word at the bottom of the card.

aylwre (Helps people stay out of jail.)

rctuk vrdeir (Takes supplies from one area to another.)

sparot (You find this person in the church.)

iwtare (He brings your meal.)

ilrabiran (This person reminds you to be quiet so others can concentrate.)

Comments:

AP: Only give hints if necessary.

Answers: lawyer, truck driver, pastor, waiter, librarian.

Brainercise 13e

Kit Supplies Needed:

Instructions:

• Name a task you recently completed. For example, brushing your teeth.
• Start with the last step of the process, name all the steps in reverse order.
• Try to include as many details about the steps as possible.

Comments:

If going in reverse is too difficult, name the steps starting with the first step instead.

Brainercise 13f

Nostalgia Exercise Instructions:

• • Listen to or sing the suggested Nostalgia Song or one of your choice as many times as you like and time allows.
  • What were you doing in life when this song was popular?
  • How does hearing this song now make you feel?

Brainercise 13g

Neuron Exercise Instructions:

• • Listen to the suggested Neuron Song or one of your choice.
  • While listening, focus on the lyrics (or melody).
  • Next, listen during the verses or main melody.
  • Try to sing along during the chorus (the part that repeats).
  • It does not matter if you sing the lyrics correctly or not.
  • Repeat the process as many times as time and preference allow.

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