The Key to Slowing Cognitive Decline: Reading

Frequent reading helps reduce the risk of cognitive decline in elderly adults by up to 58%.

National Reading Month

March is National Reading Month, so we’d like to highlight the importance of reading to help prevent and slow dementia and cognitive decline in seniors. While not only seniors develop dementia, it is much more common in seniors than in any other age group.

What is Dementia and how Does Reading Help?

Dementia is a chronic, neurodegenerative condition affecting memory and thinking abilities.

Per a study published in the National Library of Medicine, those aged 64 and above who read at least once a week were 54% less likely to have cognitive decline than those who didn’t after six years. With that number increasing to 58% after 10 years.

Local Resources

There are many libraries in the Scottsdale area perfect to visit and check books out of. The Scottsdale Public Library System has many branches across the county including the Appaloosa Library, the Civic Center Library, and the Mustang Library.

Libraries often have other programming that encourages social interaction. Those opportunities typically include book clubs, digital literacy clubs, and intergenerational events.

How can Griswold help?

Social interaction is another great way to improve cognitive function. With our Companionship Care, a Griswold Caregiver will help with activities such as shopping and errand assistance, writing and sending cards, supporting hobbies and interests like reading, and attending social events with the client.

In addition to our Companionship Care, we also offer specialized Dementia Care Support. Our Caregivers may have experience supporting memory loss patients. Along with our Essential home care services, our in home caregivers will take extra steps to:

• Reintroduce themselves every time they arrive
• Prepare meals that accommodate struggles with utensils
• Stimulate short-term memory through cognitive activities
• Interact with them in their version of reality
• Help them recall a life well-lived

Contact Us

If you have a loved one living with dementia, give us a call today. We would be happy to discuss our dementia care support in more detail. We will put together a personalized care plan perfect for your loved one.