Written by Jackson Esbenshade, Marketing Intern
In 2011 Rob Liebreich came to a scary realization: his mother began displaying symptoms of memory loss. Forgetting conversations, getting easily lost, and many similar issues that come with cognitive decline. He found this issue to be especially troubling because of the lack of solutions available to him and others dealing with the same issue. In response, Rob created Stronger Memory. A research-proven program which found that 30 minutes is all that is needed to fight back against cognitive decline.
How It Works:
10 Minutes Reading Aloud
Reading out loud fosters community amongst those involved. It can also improve recollection ability and fluency through the reading, specifically addressing the problems those experiencing cognitive decline face.
10 Minutes of Math Exercises
Simple math equations strengthen and sharpen focus as well as problem solving ability. Researchers encourage completing these exercises on a timer to emphasize speed and quick-thinking skills.
10 Minutes of Handwriting
Fine motor skills often parallel cognitive health in the sense that as cognitive function decreases, fine motor skills tend to as well. Handwriting provides a simple way to combat the loss of both fine motor skills and memory retention.
Does it work?
Stronger Memory’s simple exercises might raise questions about its effectiveness. With that said, almost two-thirds of individuals found measurable improvements in cognitive ability in a Maryland pilot study. Almost ninety percent of participants of the study were satisfied with the program.
While Stronger Memory has shown significant positive results, the program isn’t foolproof. It can consistently bring improvements to cognitive function, but a loss in cognitive ability is completely normal and is often part of the aging process. However, when we think about healthy aging it’s important to consider methods of how we can slow down these brain changes. When the problem is put in perspective, Stronger Memory brings a solution that is low cost for the facilitators and high in results for its participants.
Garden Spot Village recently started the Stronger Memory program, and with great popularity. While weekly meetings initially began in the Gardens West Conference Room, they will now be held in the Chapel due to the number of individuals participating. Although the exercises can be done individually, Stronger Memory’s effectiveness improves when done through a group setting where community can be fostered.
There are a multitude of possible solutions available for cognitive decline (with various degrees of success). Who would imagine that all it would take is 30 minutes daily to revitalize and maybe even reclaim an individual’s cognitive function?