Insights from a Memory Care Expert
By Kim Butrum MS, RN, GNP, Senior Vice President – Clinical Services, Silverado Memory Care
As individuals, we are each a unique tapestry of our connections, our experiences, and how we remember those experiences woven together. Memory is central to who we are and how we interpret the world around us. As someone deeply immersed in the realm of memory care, both professionally and personally, I have come to appreciate its profound significance.
As a leader at Silverado Memory Care, I have been fortunate enough to lead clinical teams dedicated to alleviating the burdens of memory impairment for thousands of individuals and their families. As a Nurse Practitioner, I was driven to make a difference in the lives of my patients and ensure they had the best quality of life possible in their final stages of life. However, it was in my role as a family caretaker that the impact of memory hit closest to home, as I witnessed my beloved Grandma Pearl’s battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Through my experiences, I’ve come to understand memory impairment not as a sentence, but as a manageable chronic disease. By dispelling the stigma around it and encouraging people to embrace healthy habits that support their brain health, we can empower individuals to lead purposeful lives, even with cognitive challenges.
The following habits are crucial for brain health at any stage of life and now is always the right time to start.
- Nurture Meaningful Relationships – Strong social ties not only bring joy but also defend against cognitive decline. Say yes to the next invite you get from a friend, colleague or network peer.
- Stay Active – Aim for just 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity. Activity releases endorphins and other natural stimulants to support optimal brain function, muscle strength and flexibility.
- Eat More Anti-Inflammatory Foods – More and more, there is evidence pointing to the long-term tissue damage of inflammation, which includes that of the brain. Incorporate more berries, leafy greens, whole grains, and omega-3 rich fish to nourish your brain and stave off lasting effects.
- Seek Novel Experiences – Start new hobbies and find new ways of using your brain. This can be using your non-dominant hand to write or hold your toothbrush. It can even be small changes to your routine, such as taking a new route home. All stimulate the brain.
- Prioritize Restorative Sleep – Not all forms of sleep are equal. Of the 7-9 hours of recommended sleep, 25% of that should be deep sleep during which time your body repairs itself. Establish good sleep hygiene to promote memory consolidation and brain restoration.
These behaviors are also particularly vital for slowing the progression of memory loss symptoms. Through the Silverado Nexus Program, we actively challenge the status quo and aging stigma, affirming that there’s much we can do to enhance our health span and preserve cognitive vitality. We have seen that age is not a barrier to growth or improvement and with the right support and resources, individuals can thrive and embrace new opportunities for health, learning, connection, and self-expression.
March 21 is a day to honor not only the memories that shape who we are, but also to reflect on the challenges faced by those struggling with memory impairment. Together, we can foster a dialogue that promotes awareness, empathy, and understanding about memory impairment, ensuring that individuals of all stages of life can live purposeful and healthy lives.
In every capacity—as a leader, caregiver, and family member—having the opportunity to make a positive impact and support individuals through the challenges of memory impairment has been a true privilege for me. On this Memory Day, I invite you to join me in recognizing the role memory plays and its importance to our existence.
