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View this email in your browser Celebrate Chia Pet Day November 29th I am sure we all remember Chia Pets. They took the world by storm years before any of us realized that the spouts they created are also mega superfood status. Have residents create their own unique chia pets and once they have fully spouted, plan a superfood feast to celebrate. These sprouts are very mildly flavored and go great on sandwiches, salads and Buddha Bowls. Celebrate International Tongue Twister Day November 8th The 14 toughest tongue-twisters in the English language Source: Morgan Cutolo , Reader's Digest 1. 'Pad kid poured curd pulled cod.' A team of researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology say that this is the most difficult tongue twister in the world. Can you say it ten times fast? The psychologists who created this tongue twister said that people who attempted to say it either stopped right in the middle of saying it because it was too difficult or could only get through it once and weren't able to repeat it. [The Guinness Book of World Records disagrees...scroll down to see their top pick.] 2. 'Brisk brave brigadiers brandished broad bright blades, blunderbusses, and bludgeons—balancing them badly.' 3. 'If you must cross a course cross cow across a crowded cow crossing, cross the cross coarse cow across the crowded cow crossing carefully.' 4. 'How can a clam cram in a clean cream can?' 5. 'Imagine an imaginary menagerie manager managing an imaginary menagerie.' 6. 'Send toast to ten tense stout saints' ten tall tents.' 7. 'Rory the warrior and Roger the worrier were reared wrongly in a rural brewery.' 8. 'Six sick hicks nick six slick bricks with picks and sticks.' 10. 'The thirty-three thieves thought that they thrilled the throne throughout Thursday.' 11. 'The sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick.' [According to The Guinness Book of World Records, this is the world's hardest tongue twister, not #1 on this list. You be the judge.] 12. 'Can you can a canned can into an un-canned can like a canner can can a canned can into an un-canned can?' 13. 'Thirty-three thirsty, thundering thoroughbreds thumped Mr. Thurber on Thursday.' 14. 'Six sleek swans swam swiftly southwards.' This article has been condensed for space. Check out the whole shabang below... Full Article Celebrate National Nacho Day November 5th Mmmm...nachos. This IS a day to celebrate! You can setup your nacho bar as an actual bar or you can fire up the cart for a room to room delivery service. There are two school's of thought on whether chips should be provided with melted cheddar on them or if a crock pot with liquid cheese is the way to go. For our purposes, a crock pot is probably the best bet to keep things fresh, warm and convenient. For an added perk, this lady created a Desert Nacho Bar, which I think your residents will be all about! I know I am! Next Class Starts November 2nd Visit https://activitydirectoruniversity.org for more information. Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2810 US HWY 190 W #100-A9 Livingston, Texas 77351

Memory, Forgetfulness, and Aging: What's Normal and What's Not? In general as we age, we begin to notice and worry about memory and how aging may or may not change our cognitive abilities. For example, we might forget to pay the bills or find ourselves unintentionally leaving a boiling pot of water on the burner. Such instances can be upsetting but are often considered to be “mild forgetfulness” that is often a normal part of aging. Facility Programming What's the difference between normal, age-related forgetfulness and a serious memory problem? When memory related issues prevent the individual from attending to everyday tasks that are required to maintain a self-sufficient independent lifestyle, it may indicate further investigation. Signs may include: Repeating the same questions over and over again Confusion in familiar places Inability to proceed independently from task to task in sequential order Disorientation concerning time, people, and places Mild Cognitive Impairment Some older conditions known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), relate to memory deficits that are not in keeping with common aging related problems. However, individuals with MCI can usually take care of themselves and do their normal activities. MCI may be an early alert warning that points to Alzheimer’s disease, but not everyone with MCI will develop Alzheimer's. Signs of MCI include: Misplacing or losing things more frequently Not recalling important events or appointments Presenting with “aphasia” (difficulty with word finding) more than other individuals of the same age Diagnosed instances of MCI, are tracked every six to 12 months to document changes in memory and other thinking skills over time. Dementia and Aging I often am asked about Dementia. There is a great deal of confusion on the topic. To be clear, Dementia is not a normal part of aging. Dementia is not in of itself a disease. Instead, it's a group of symptoms caused by other conditions. Dementia is a group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions, such as memory loss and judgment. Many things can cause dementia. It happens when the parts of the brain used for learning, memory, decision making, and language are damaged or diseased. Symptoms include forgetfulness, limited social skills, and thinking abilities so impaired that it interferes with daily functioning. Medications and therapies may help manage symptoms. Some causes of dementia are reversible. While there are different forms of Dementia, Alzheimer's disease is the most common disease associate with Dementia for those over the age 65. There are a number of other diseases and circumstances presenting with dementia affecting both young and old. The most common causes of Dementia include: Degenerative neurological diseases. These include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and some types of multiple sclerosis. These diseases are progressive, get worse over time. Vascular disorders. These conditions affect the blood circulation in the brain. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) caused by car accidents, falls, concussions, etc. More recently presenting in football athletes (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy – CTE). Infections of the central nervous system. These include meningitis, HIV, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Long-time alcohol or drug use Certain types of hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain. NOTE: Hydrocephalus is a condition in which an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) occurs within the brain. This typically causes increased pressure inside the skull. Older people may have headaches, double vision, poor balance, urinary incontinence, personality changes, or mental impairment. Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/memory-forgetfulness-and-aging-whats-normal-and-whats-not https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/types-dementia#1 This chart explains some differences between normal signs of aging and Alzheimer's. Have a topic request or question for Celeste? Send them over to celestechase@activitydirector.org Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351