4. Brainercise for Week 31

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 31a

Kit Supplies Needed:

Marker

Dry Erase Folder

Instructions:

• Use the marker to draw a face UPSIDE DOWN.
• Try to add as many facial features as possible.

Comments:

Brainercise 31b

Kit Supplies Needed:

Large Die

Dry Erase Marker

Dry Erase Folder

Instructions:

• Roll the die with your left hand.
• Name (the number you rolled) category items:

-Things that feel soft

-Things that make a loud noise

-Things that are bright

-Things that are not foods that you think would taste bad

-Things that make children feel happy

Comments:

Brainercise 31c

Kit Supplies Needed:

Dominoes

Instructions:

• Pick up 2 dominoes.
• Put the 2 dominoes next to each other with the sides touching this way: the larger number on the left and the smaller number on the right.
• Pick up another domino.
• Put it next to the number that is larger than the domino in your hand.
• Pick up another domino.
• Put it next to the number that is smaller than the domino in your hand.
• Continue this pattern until all dominoes have been used.

Comments:

Brainercise 31d

Kit Supplies Needed:

Cards

Notebook Paper

Pen

Instructions:

• Shuffle the cards.
• Place the deck face-side down.
• Pick any number between 10-100.
• Write the number on a piece of paper if you need to.
• Draw one card at a time.
• Add the card values as you go.
• Continue to draw until you get as close to the number you chose without going over it.
• If a card makes you go over the number, put it to the side and continue to draw until your cards total equals the number you chose.

-face cards=10

-aces=1

-joker=wild

Comments:

Brainercise 31e

Kit Supplies Needed:

Blank Paper

Black pen

4 Colored Pencils

Instructions:

• Use the pen to draw a large square in the middle of the paper.
• Draw a circle on top of the square.
• Draw a rectangle on top of the circle.
• Draw a triangle on top of the rectangle.
• Use a pencil to trace the square.
• Use a different color to trace the circle.
• Use a different color to trace the rectangle.
• Use the remaining color to trace the triangle.

Comments:

Brainercise 31f

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 31g

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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