Thinkwich: Supporting the Psychological Well-Being of the Elderly. Triggering Thoughts of the Past, Alongside the Thinking Still

Thinkwich is a book originally conceived to help seniors experiencing age-related difficulties involving memory, recall, an increase in forgetfulness, and mild cognitive impairment. Since publication the book’s potential scope of use has been expanded to also include post-stroke recovery, and part use in cases of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. There are over four hundred questions in specially arranged question lists, designed for a family to use to stimulate deeper thinking and mental activity on the part of an elderly parent. Questions about the senior’s past are sandwiched between light general questions, or those involving memory or logic*. Allowing an elderly relative to engage in reminiscence about specific events in days gone by while also actively using the thinking and recall skills needed for daily life. All this offering something of a gentle mental workout, to help keep the brain sharper, and better prepared for the challenges ahead. (*Note: only questions in the book that encourage reminiscence are suitable for use in the case of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. (** Extract from first question list below. ) Of course, the very act of using the book with the relative concerned helps in terms of sociability; another key requirement for mental health in the elderly. It provides a great opportunity for those involved to really engage and interact in a meaningful way, beyond just asking general everyday questions. If thinkwich can make even a small difference in the cognitive health of someone you care about, then we’ve accomplished our goal. *Extract from first question list: (The questions are asked by the family, face-to-face or via a video call/ regular call). Questions are designed to create discussion, not just to elicit an answer. (H=Hint/ A= Answer) - Try to memorize this card sequence (You’ll be asked again at the end of the quiz!): 7 Hearts, 4 Hearts, 7 Diamonds (repeat x2) - Can you recall a comedy show you used to watch way back when? If so, can you remember the names of any of the stars involved? - If water is 5 and tea is 3 what is coffee? H: Letters/Number of letters / A: 6 - In which town or city were you born? - Where did you move to next? - In the well-known song, in which US state were the Blue Ridge Mountains? H: State beginning with V / A: Virginia ___ The core elements of this book have also been published Via KDP under the title ’Cognitive Health of an Elderly Parent’