We constantly read about the need for mental stimulation to enhance the efficiency of our brains. The current catch word is “neural plasticity.”

This process involves the elaboration of brain function by activity. We learn to speak, to walk, to ski, to golf because of our brain’s innate ability to learn from experience. This is true for those of all ages. Indeed one of the essential ingredients in treating progressive memory loss is keeping engaged in doing and learning. The subject doesn’t matter. It is in the doing that counts.

This principle even applies to those with “early Alzheimer’s disease” or “mild cognitive impairment.” The key to successful treatment of dementias — keep engaged.

No matter what stage of memory loss, human beings need to be active in the world. They need stimulation for their brain as much as the rest of us. The challenge is that short-term memory loss may limit doing things they enjoy on their own. Hence we have developed treatments through residential, day care, and home-based programs.

For example, participants at well run residential and day care programs for the memory impaired are provided with “palliative” memory rehabilitation through engagement therapy. In essence, this therapy keeps those with memory loss engaged in joyful and stimulating activities such as walking, socializing, thinking (e.g., word games, watching movies, art therapy, music therapy) that fit their interests as well as their level of memory and skill. The key to this treatment is to start these programs early when memory and other cognitive skills are working relatively well.

I have always felt that we need some newer programs for those who are very early in progressive memory loss. We need to set routines that keep stimulation going in the face of increasing passivity and forgetfulness. I call this concept day care without walls. The concept is simple. If you love to fish, keep fishing. If you love ballet, keep going to the ballet. The range of activities is limitless: movies, lunch, concerts, museums, art, exercise. This works even better when stimulation is done in small groups.

There is a new program, CompanionPlus, that has been developed along this idea. Participants are carefully selected and go out in small groups of three or four persons to do activities of common interest. Their first outing was a group of three who went to a Twins game last spring. Others are golfing or sailing again. Still others are going in small groups to supervised exercise. The intent of the program is to give life back to those who are more mildly memory impaired and to provide respite for caregivers who are trying to do it all. It allows a proactive plan for staying ahead of progressive decline. For more information about CompanionPlus, call (239) 566-2815.