Improving Brain Fitness Decreases Risk of Dementia
Over the past two decades, researchers have increasingly focused on what can be done to help preserve cognitive abilities and memory as a way to decrease an individual's risk of developing dementia. "The research has consistently shown that it's just as important to exercise the brain as it is to exercise the body," says Stephen B. Gemmell, Ph.D., director of the Memory Clinic at Washington Regional's Pat Walker Center for Seniors.
Studies reveal that a "brain fitness" program of structured cognitive activity combined with physical exercise and a brain-healthy diet can help slow the progression of cognitive decline. As a result of this encouraging research, the Memory Clinic at Washington Regional has expanded its services to include a Cognitive Training Center (CTC), a cognitive wellness service that is the first of its kind in the region. The goal of the Memory Clinic's CTC is to design a personalized program for each patient that exercises and challenges the brain, helping to maximize cognitive abilities and decrease the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
After a detailed personal interview, CTC patients participate in a series of tests to determine their unique strengths and limitations. Then, an individualized training program involving state-of-the-art computer software helps exercise verbal and visual cognitive skills including memory, attention, concentration, comprehension and reaction time.
For more information, contact the CTC at 479-463-4419, the Memory Clinic at 479-463-4444 or click the link below. |
Spirit Girls' Night Out
We appreciate the more than 160 area women who gathered Oct. 25 at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art for Washington Regional's third annual Spirit Girls' Night Out. With a theme of "Be Dazzling," the event included gallery viewing, gourmet dinner and health presentations by Dr. Deborah Hays and Dr. D. Heath Stacey. Keynote speaker was Judge Mary Ann Gunn, whose nationally broadcast TV show, "Last Shot with Judge Gunn," recently won a Daytime Emmy Award.
Girls' Night Out is one of the educational events Washington Regional offers as part of its Spirit of Women programming. Spirit of Women is a national network of hospitals dedicated to improving women's lives with innovative health programs. If you would like to become a Spirit of Women member, click here.
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Willard Walker Hospice Home
Willard Walker Hospice Home offers a beautiful and peaceful environment along with a specially designed care program that promotes comfort, dignity and peace at a time when families need it most.
+ 12 private rooms, each with a family suite and outdoor terrace + One to four (1:4) nursing to patient ratio, 24 hours a day, seven days a week + Family and friends encouraged to visit + Care Team includes RNs, CNAs, Social Workers, Chaplains, Volunteers, Physical Therapists and Board-Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Physicians + Private tours are available upon request
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