4. Brainercise for Week 3 Copy

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/

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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 Brinercise 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 3a

Kit Supplies Needed:

none

Instructions:

• Think of your favorite place on earth.
• Where is it? 
• What does it look like?
• What sounds do you hear there? 
• What does it smell like?
• What does food taste like there?
• How does it make you feel?
• Why is it your favorite place?

Comments:

This is a great sensory activity. AP: Encourage them to include as many details as possible.

Brainercise 3b

Kit Supplies Needed:

none

Instructions:

• Begin with, “I went to the —” and name where you went.
• AP: Add a sentence afterward that has something in common with the first sentence.
• Continue this process as long as you can.
• Repeat the entire process by changing the first sentence.
• For example, the participant says, “I went to the store”. AP could say: I bought milk. Then the participant could say: Milk comes from cows. Then the AP could say: My grandparents lived on a farm. Then the participant could say: My grandmother is a good baker. Then the AP could say: I like chocolate chip cookies and so on.

Comments:

This relationship exercise can be challenging so don’t focus on getting it right. As long as the participant gives a response of some kind it is okay.

Brainercise 3c

Kit Supplies Needed:

none

Instructions:

Play “I Spy” this way:

AP: Say “I spy something…”

• that makes me happy
• that reminds me of my childhood
• that sparkles
• that is warm
• that is cold
• that smells good
• that makes me feel comfortable

AP: ask them to answer according to the categories.

Comments:

AP: Discuss their answers.

Brainercise 3d

Kit Supplies Needed:

none

Instructions:

Finish the slogan:

• Got —? (milk – Milk Processors)
• Breakfast of (champions – Wheaties)
• The best a man (can get – Gillette)
• Betcha can’t eat (just one – Lays)
• Maybe she’s born with it. Maybe it’s (Maybelline)
• Like a good neighbor (State Farm is there)
• The quicker (picker-upper – Bounty)
• Have it (your way – Burger King)
• The happiest place (on earth – Disney World)
• Because you’re (worth it – L’oreal)
• Diamonds are (forever – De Beers)
• It’s finger-lickin’ (good – KFC)
• Nothing runs like (a Deere – John Deere)
• You’re in good hands (with Allstate)
• Good to the (last drop – Maxwell House)
• When you care enough to send (the very best – Hallmark)
• Where’s the (beef? – Wendy’s)
• Don’t leave home (without it – American Express)
• Snap! Crackle! (Pop! – Rice Crispies)
• What happens in Vegas (stays in Vegas)

Comments:

AP: Ask them to sing the jingle if they guess it. If they can’t guess it when you say it, sing the jingle to help. If you say the entire slogan can they name the product or company the slogan belongs to?

Brainercise 3e

Kit Supplies Needed:

none

Instructions:

• Choose 10 random items that you can see right now.
• These items can be something of yours (like clothing) or an item that is in the room.
• What is the intended purpose of the item?
• Name something the item could also be used for that is not it’s intended purpose.

Comments:

Be creative! IE) A book’s purpose is to display information for reading but it could also be used as a hamburger press.

Brainercise 3f

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 3g

Neuron Exercise Instructions:

• Listen to the 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 allows.

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