Memory Nurture

24/12/2025

🎄 Christmas Tips for a More Enjoyable Season! ❤️

The holidays are a joyful time, but they can also be overwhelming for people living with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) and their carers. That’s why AFTD’s Persons with FTD Advisory Council has shared a thoughtful list of practical holiday tips to help make family gatherings and social events more manageable and meaningful for everyone.

✨ From simple ideas like bringing earplugs or taking a quiet break to cope with sensory overload,
✨ to creative ways to remember names, handle food situations, and navigate conversations with ease,
✨ These tips are all about comfort, connection, and compassion during this busy season.

Whether you’re living with FTD or supporting someone who is, this article offers real, lived experience advice that could make your holidays a little brighter. 🎁💛

The holidays are upon us, with all the hustle and bustle. It can be a happy time for all—but it can come with challenges for those with FTD. The Persons

23/12/2025

Some great tips from Parkinson's Western Australia

🎄 Self-Care Over Christmas: A Guide for People Living With Parkinson’s
The festive season can be joyful — but it can also be tiring. This year, give yourself permission to slow down and focus on what supports your wellbeing.
✨ Create space for rest: Plan quiet breaks and let loved ones know you may need time to reset.
☀️ Stay cool and hydrated: Choose cooler activities, use shade or air-con, and drink plenty of water.
🕊️ Pace yourself: Spread out tasks and skip the non-essentials.
🥗 Eat well and keep moving: Opt for simple meals, eat mindfully, and fit in light movement where you can.
💊 Manage medication: Stay consistent, ensure you have enough, and check storage needs in the heat.
🔄 Stay flexible: Symptoms can shift — backup plans (and saying “no”) can help prevent burnout.
Read the full guide here 👉 https://www.parkinsonswa.org.au/self-care-over-christmas-a-guide-for-people-living-with-parkinsons

22/12/2025

🧠💪 Want a sharper memory? Get moving! 🚴‍♀️🧘‍♂️

This article from The Independent discusses how physical activity doesn’t just boost fitness, it can also improve memory, focus and brain function at any age. The research shows that all kinds of movement, from cycling and walking to yoga, tai chi and even active video games, help your brain work better and stay healthier over time.

Highlights include:
✨ Exercise improves cognition and memory
✨ Benefits appear in as little as 12 weeks
✨ Low-intensity activities like yoga and tai chi can be just as powerful as more vigorous workouts
✨ Great for all ages and fitness levels

Whether you’re tossing around Wordle or heading out for a bike ride, it looks like the best brain booster might be movement itself. 🧠❤️

These forms of movement are a great option for people of all fitness levels or those with limited mobility

21/12/2025

As you pick out presents this year, remember - your presence is one of the greatest gifts you can give

Image: https://www.instagram.com/headspace

20/12/2025

Some interesting research around using ultrasound as a treatment for Alzheimer's Disease

19/12/2025

🧠 New Study: Exercise in Mid & Later Life Can Significantly Lower Dementia Risk 🏃‍♀️🚴‍♂️

A major long-term study has found that staying active from around age 45 and beyond can meaningfully reduce your risk of developing dementia later in life. Researchers tracked thousands of adults over decades and discovered that those with the highest levels of physical activity in midlife (45–64) and later life (65+) were up to ~41–45% less likely to develop dementia than the least active people.

💡 Early adulthood exercise didn’t show the same link, but the good news is it’s not too late to benefit if you start moving more in midlife or beyond!

Even people with a genetic predisposition to dementia still saw reduced risk if they kept active later in life.

👉 The takeaway: Keep moving, at any age! Whether it’s walking, swimming, dancing, gardening, or gym sessions, staying physically active can support your brain health as you age. 🧓❤️

For years, scientists have known that moving our bodies can sharpen our minds. Physical activity boo

18/12/2025

🧠 What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?

Mild Cognitive Impairment is a condition where someone has more memory or thinking changes than we’d expect with normal ageing, but they aren’t severe enough to interfere with daily life.

People with MCI might notice:
• Forgetting appointments or conversations more often
• Losing track of tasks or plans
• Taking longer to think through problems
• Feeling less sharp than before

MCI doesn’t always progress. Some people stay the same for years, and others even improve, especially with support, healthy routines, and early recognition.

💡 Why it matters:
Spotting MCI early means people can access therapies, plan ahead, and make lifestyle changes that support brain health.

If you or someone you care about is noticing changes, you’re not alone, and help is available. Early conversation = early support.

17/12/2025

🍰🧠 “Who knew cake could be good for your brain?”

A new dessert called the “Unforgettable Cake”, created by Sydney pastry chef Christopher Thé in partnership with experts at UNSW, is specially designed for the clients of Meals on Wheels NSW. The twist? Instead of sugar-heavy frosting and lots of cream, this cake uses things like beetroot, spinach, olive oil, turmeric, blueberries and honey, ingredients believed to support brain health and cognitive function.

🥄 The goal behind the cake is beautiful: as Meals on Wheels celebrates their 70th anniversary, the “Unforgettable Cake” becomes more than just a treat — it’s a conversation starter about ageing, memory, and how the food we eat can play a role in overall wellbeing.

If you think food can nourish more than just our bodies… this one really proves it.

Sydney pastry chef Christopher Thé and health experts from the University of New South Wales develop a brain-friendly cake for food delivery charity, Meals on Wheels.

16/12/2025

🌟 Did you know that tiny bursts of activity throughout your day can seriously boost your health?

Research shows that “activity microbursts”, short, energetic movements like fast walking, taking the stairs, or doing chores with a bit more effort, can make a big difference.

These quick bursts (even just 1 minute!) can help:
✅ Improve heart health
✅ Lower the risk of chronic disease
✅ Counteract long periods of sitting
✅ Boost overall fitness

In fact, doing just 3–4 short bursts of movement a day has been linked to a much lower risk of early death and heart disease.

💡 Simple ways to add microbursts into your day:
• Walk briskly between tasks
• Take the stairs at home or work
• Pick up the pace when cleaning or gardening
• Play actively with kids or pets
• Add a short fast walk into your lunch break

The best part? It’s easy, free, and fits into even the busiest schedule. Every little bit counts! 💙

From running up stairs, to rigorous gardening: these everyday activities could boost your health and help you live longer.

15/12/2025

🎁 Thank You for Joining Our 7 Days of Dementia-Friendly Christmas Tips! 🌟

We hope these simple ideas have helped you feel more confident and inspired to create a calm, meaningful Christmas for the people you care about. 💛

Remember, it’s the small moments of kindness, patience, and connection that make the biggest difference.

From all of us, we wish you and your loved ones a peaceful, joyful, and memory-filled Christmas. 🎄💫

14/12/2025

💞 Day 7: Look After Yourself Too

Caring for someone with dementia can be especially challenging at Christmas.
Take time for yourself; rest, ask for help, and do something that recharges you.
When you care for yourself, you can give your best care to others. 🌟

{image courtesy of Museum of Happiness]

13/12/2025

🎶 Day 6: Use Music and Memories

Music can spark wonderful memories and lift the mood.
Playing familiar carols or songs from their younger years can help bring comfort and connection, even when words are hard to find. 🎵💖