Challenge Yourself and Enhance Cognitive Health

Visit your community or senior center to see what programs are available to you and your family.

Ask your healthcare provider for a referral to an occupational, recreational, art or physical therapist to help you get started with recommendations listed below.

• Devote a calendar to scheduling these activities. Pace yourself and have fun.
• Get plenty of sleep, pay attention to your diet and be sure to get the fluids you need throughout the day

• See your primary doctor or neurologist to be sure you are safe to exercise.
• Get a physical therapy consult to develop the best and safest exercise program for you.
• Exercise or do calisthenics five times a week.
• Don't do it alone: Involve your family, a buddy, walk in the park, go to exercise or yoga class.
• Yoga and Tai chi give extra benefits of relaxation.
• Dance and music add fun, joy and allow creative expression.

• Take a class, 'go back to college' and attend lectures.
• Read or listen to documentaries, books on tape.
• Do mind teasers such as computer or video games, puzzles.
• Play cards: bridge, poker, even solitaire.

• Attend support groups.
• Volunteer for a cause.
• Join and advocacy group such as the Parkinson's Action Network.  

• Taking a painting or arts class, acting class, dancing class.
• Joining a poetry or book group.
• Join a coffee hour, movie night or make your own get together.

• Talk about your wishes with family such as end of life care, power of attorney in the event you become unable to make decisions for yourself.
• Have a plan in place in the event that you need more help or supervision to perform chores or need a companion to help care for you. It is a good idea to talk about these problems even if they never are needed.

 Reprinted with permission by Dr. Monique Giroux, MD and the Northwest Parkinson Foundation