Increasing quality of life: Dementia prevention in the Cochem senior center

Increasing quality of life: Dementia prevention in the Cochem senior center

An interesting lecture by MAKS therapist Markus Neumann took place today at the St. Hedwig senior center in Cochem. The occasion was the open day, and the organizing ladies Maureen Nuppeney and Angela Brinkmann hit the mark with the topic “Improving the quality of life of people with dementia and their relatives”. This topic grips many people, as was clearly shown by the great interest shown by residents and their families.

Neumann, who from the German dementia advice from Bad Neuenahr, presented simple exercises for dementia prevention. He emphasized how important it is to be able to train the brain. The brain is a real powerhouse, meaning it can physically change through learning and training - this is called brain plasticity.

The importance of brain training

But what actually makes the brain so special? It consists of over 100 billion neurons, each of which has around 1,000 connections to other neurons. These connections are crucial for our cognitive abilities. Physical changes in the brain that are triggered through targeted training can significantly improve brain performance. The training offers adaptive exercises that adapt to the individual level and promote the speed and accuracy of information processing.

The result is clear: greater brain activation correlates with increased ability to see, hear, remember and think. Neumann emphasized that scientific studies show how effective such exercises are in improving cognitive functions. For example, the ability to focus information and ignore unimportant influences can significantly support learning and memory processes.

Practical exercises for everyone

Some of the exercises that Neumann presented are easy to implement and can be integrated not only in a senior center, but also in everyday life. It is precisely these practical approaches that give participants hope and show that there are many ways to increase your own mental fitness. During various workshops in the “Carlos” holiday home in Bad Neuenahr, the German Dementia Advisory Service offers the opportunity to gain even deeper insights into the effectiveness of such exercises.

Overall, the lecture was a complete success and provided numerous suggestions for the participants. Interest in the topic remains high - no wonder, as it is a matter close to the heart for many people in the region to care for the quality of life of those affected by dementia and their relatives. It was felt that everyone here has a good knack for tackling dementia and at the same time promoting a proactive approach to the issue.