Don't let a diagnosis of MCI isolate you

Mild cognitive impairment can be frightening and isolating. It can cause you to withdraw. But your brain needs exactly the opposite.

To protect your cognition, you need to stay mentally active and socially engaged. A new program in Philadelphia has found a fun, innovative way to help people with mild cognitive impairment do just that.

I hope this program inspires you to go out and do something similar. At the very least, it's a valuable reminder that even though you are struggling with memory loss, you still have something to offer others.

Here is a transcript of the video.

So last week, I talked about the importance of cognitive stimulation, and staying active and mentally engaged. But that’s easier said than done. If you are diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, that can be frightening and isolating. It can cause you to withdraw.

That’s why I want to tell you today about a really innovative program in Philadelphia that’s helping people with MCI do exactly the opposite.

So volunteering is one of the best possible activities for your brain. But it can be hard for people to do that. People may fear that they’re going to encounter a situation where they say the wrong thing, or forget what they’re supposed to do, or a situation they can’t handle, and that’s understandable.

But you know what, you still have something to offer. You still have value. And I think it’s fantastic that this program in Philadelphia has recognized that and created this opportunity for people with mild cognitive impairment and children to spend time together and for both of them to get benefit out of it.

Now if you’re not in Philadelphia, you can’t take advantage of this particular opportunity. But you can take inspiration from it. Maybe you can find something else in your community that allows you do do something like this, or maybe you can be a little creative and come up with an idea on your own.

And if you do find something in your community, I’d love for you to share it, or if you have an idea, share it. I welcome you to do that by posting a comment on this video.

I’d love to hear from you, and I hope to see you again next week. Until then, as always, be kind to your mind.

This site is educational, and is not intended as medical advice. It offers information about lifestyle choices that have been proven to help protect cognition. Always consult your doctor before making changes that can impact your health.