5. Brainercise for Week 32

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 32a

Kit Supplies Needed:

Dry Erase Marker

Dry Erase Folder

Instructions:

• Write the following words on the folder as written: K-tten. Hou-e, Fa-e, Bea-, Pur-le, bo-, Floo-
• Fill in missing letters to make a word. Some will have several correct options.

Comments:

If you have more time, add more words of your choice.

Brainercise 32b

Kit Supplies Needed:

None

Instructions:

• Listen to the clues to guess the word they describe.
• Pool, beach, swim, drown, save (LIFEGUARD)
• Barrel, cucumber, dill, sour, green (PICKLE)
• Picture, camera, film, snapshot, album (PHOTOGRAPH)
• Billfold, money, purse, credit card, pocket (WALLET)

Comments:

Give clues for more words as time allows.

Brainercise 32c

Kit Supplies Needed:

Dice

Instructions:

• Roll both dice.
• Add them together.
• Does the total fit into the following categories? (use one category per roll)

Is the number less than 10?

Is the number an even number?

Does the number equal the number of children you have?

Could you eat that many cookies in one sitting?

Can you name that many colors?

Comments:

Brainercise 32d

Kit Supplies Needed:

1 Pipe cleaner in each color

Large Die

Marker

Dry Erase Folder

Instructions:

• Roll the die.
• Write 1 – the number you rolled vertically on the folder.
• Close your eyes and pick up a pipe cleaner with your left hand.
• List things that would include the color of the pipe cleaner in it. Try not to list things that are ALL the color.
• For example, if you picked a yellow pipe cleaner, an answer could be a rainbow INSTEAD of the sun.
• Continue until all colors have been used.

Comments:

Brainercise 32e

Kit Supplies Needed:

None

Instructions:

• Name foods that are associated with the following:

Picnic

Christmas Day

Birthday Party

Wedding

Salad Bar

Comments:

Brainercise 32f

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 32g

Neuron Exercise Instructions:

• Listen to the suggested Neuron Song or one of your choice.
• While listening, focus on the lyrics (or melody).
• Next, listen to 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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