BRANCH OFFICE Don’t let your memories fade Zap the Grandma Gap

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN … the more you stimulate and challenge your brain — and the earlier you begin that stimulation — the more of a buffer you’ll create against the detrimental effects of aging.

REMINISCENCE THERAPY (RT) involves the discussion of past activities, events and experiences with another person or group of people, usually with the aid of tangible prompts such as photographs, household, and other familiar items from the past, music and archive sound recordings.

Using prescribed photos that ranged from six to 58 photos throughout the five-week session, we noticed a stronger emotional pull and increased engagement with personal photos that

captured the actual people and events of the residents own life. This preliminary study suggests that pRT (photo Reminiscence Therapy) stimulation may reduce dementia symptoms both during participation and as much as 24 to 36 hours later, when participants showed benefits from the residual effects of the reminiscence therapy session. This pilot study strongly supports and contributes to a medically valid, non-pharmacological approach to working with and treating patients with dementia.

In what is thought to be the largest randomized trial to date, residents gathered photographs and talked about family. Participants reported a significant improvement in their quality of life. The intervention also reduced their agitation as effectively as antipsychotic drugs.

Cognitive Benefits of Photo Reminiscence Therapy for Dementia Patients Preliminary findings within a narrative framework

The power of photo Reminiscence Therapy (pRT) for those living with dementia and their caregivers has been under-represented in the research community. To bridge the gap, a coalition of organizations joined forces to demonstrate a new understanding of the power of pRT and how it may improve the quality of life for those with dementia by minimizing social isolation and improving medication compliance and general cognitive performance. The aim of the preliminary pilot project was to identify photos that foster reminiscences and decrease social isolation for older adults living with dementia or a related form of memory impairment. This pilot project looked at the behavioral and somatic responses of older adults in senior living care through pRT grounded in a curriculum-based platform and intergenerational framework. Through the lens of a multi-paradigmatic coalition with new perspectives and insights to share, our findings were robust, insightful, and beneficial for participants. Read Report.

Zap the Grandma Gap by Janet Hovorka (from Family ChartMasters) is a product that helps grandma (or any adult) share family history in many different ways and from many points of view. Studies show that knowledge about family history strengthens and empowers kids by creating self-esteem, resilience and a greater sense of control over their lives. Learning about the family’s past also strengthens the relationships between family members by creating a shared experience and core identity that no one else can duplicate. It encourages connecting family to their history, creating strong enduring bonds. Teaching family history will strengthen and empower the next generation while preserving heritage for future descendants.

Family history connects family members in a way that is personal and unique to your family. It gives youth the power to identify with personal heroes, learn life lessons without having to personally go through them, and gain a wise, broad perspective on life. Teaching your children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and even your brothers and sisters about their family history can create strong bonds in your family. The connections to your family’s past become a framework to empower your relationships and strengthen your family's future. Visit www.zapthegrandmagap.com for free printables and tons of ideas about how to create a family history culture in your home, as well as a free email newsletter with 52 weeks of ideas about engaging the next generation with their past.

Newton Family Reunion

Morse High School Class of 1966 2017 Reunion Celebrations!

Arce Family Reunion

35th Anniversary of The Wall

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2018 Reunion Celebrations!