4. Brainercise for Week 15

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 15a

Kit Supplies Needed:

Eye Know Card

Instructions:

• Look at the picture only.
• Do you recognize what the picture is of?
• Have you ever seen it in person?
• What is a memory you have of it or what is something you know about what is in the picture?
• Next, AP: If the item is familiar to the participant, ask the questions that are on the back
• If the item is unfamiliar, use the information on the back as a learning tool.
• Share one thing you remember or just learned about the item in the picture,

Comments:

Brainercise 15b

Kit Supplies Needed:

Instructions:

• While holding the cups firmly with your left fingers, rotate the cups clockwise with your right hand 5 times.
• Hold the cups between your right thumb fingers and rotate the cups counter-clockwise 9 times.
• As you rotate the cups think of how they feel between your fingers.
• Does it remind you of anything?
• Next, write your name on the dry erase folder in large letters.
• Cover each letter with a cup:
• For vowels, turn the baking cup right-side up.
• For consonants, turn the cups upside down.
• Restack the cups neatly.

Comments:

Brainercise 15c

Kit Supplies Needed:

None

Instructions:

• Finish the famous phrase. The answer is in parentheses.
• Discuss who said it and what the circumstances were if you know.

1. “Good Greif… (Charlie Brown)!” – Lucy
2. “Ask not what the country can do for you, (but what you can do for the country.)” – JFK
3. “When you reach the end of your rope, (tie a knot in it and hang on.)” –Franklin D. Roosevelt
4. “Here’s looking at you, (kid).” – Humphrey Bogart in  Casablanca
5. “Go ahead, make (my day.)” – Clint Eastwood in Sudden Impact

Comments:

If you have more time, look up more information about the phrases.

Brainercise 15d

Kit Supplies Needed:

Alphabet Letters

Instructions:

• Pick 10 random letters.
• Line up 10 letters in front of you in the order they appear in the alphabet.
• One by one, touch each letter with your pointer finger on your right hand.
• As you touch the letter, name an adjective that starts with the letter.
• If you can’t think of an adjective that starts with the letter, name one that has the letter in it.
• Repeat but use 10 new tiles and name nouns. Repeat with 10 new tiles and name verbs.

Comments:

Brainercise 15e

Kit Supplies Needed:

Instructions:

• Carefully TWIST each part of the puzzle until it is in a straight line.
• Be patient! DO NOT PULL ON THE PIECES.
• Hint: All the white cubes will be on one side.
• All the colored cubes will be on the opposite side.
• Return the puzzle to the basket in a straight line..

Comments:

Brainercise 15f

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 15g

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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