Basic Recommendations

Velma provides cognitive support throughout the day to help with memory loss. We use research-backed techniques to help maintain routines, boost mood, reduce confusion, and make daily life easier.

Research shows that up to 45% of dementia cases may be delayed or prevented by addressing modifiable lifestyle factors, especially nutrition, physical activity, cognitive engagement, sleep, and social connection.

This guide complements the cognitive support provided by Velma by focusing on small, practical habits that support brain health and make daily life easier.

Nutrition & Hydration

• Aim for regular meals and snacks to prevent blood sugar dips, which can worsen confusion. Prioritize simple, whole foods: fruits, vegetables, lean protein (eggs, fish, chicken, beans, yogurt), whole grains (oatmeal, brown rice, whole-grain bread), and healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, avocado).

• Encourage hydration throughout the day. Sometimes brightly colored cups help make them easier to see. You can also use alternatives like fruit-infused water, teas, or popsicles to make hydration more appealing.

• Limit sugary foods, alcohol, and highly processed snacks, which can increase agitation and brain fog

Physical Movement

• Encourage daily movement, including short walks or light stretching.

• Try gentle exercises: walking, chair yoga, light strength exercises, dancing, or simple balance work. There are many great accessible programs on YouTube, like ImprovedHealth and ElderFitTV.

• Build movement into routine tasks: folding laundry, gardening, light cleaning, walking around the room during phone calls

Daily Routine & Structure

• Keep a predictable daily schedule to reduce anxiety and confusion.

• Do cognitively demanding tasks earlier in the day when energy and clarity are highest.

• Maintain regular sleep and wake times.

• I'd recommend getting some urinary tract infection test strips to easily detect a potential UTI since they worsen symptoms. If you notice confusion getting worse, this makes it really simple to test.

Cognitive Health

• Do short daily brain games or activities (10-20 minutes) throughout the day.

• Rotate activities: word games, memory games, simple puzzles, music-based activities, trivia, storytelling.

• Encourage conversation and reminiscing, especially about meaningful life events.

• Reduce passive activities like watching TV or scrolling on the phone. Even something as simple as organizing the cutlery drawer or stuffing envelopes will be much better cognitively.