Visiting Nurse / Hospice Atlanta Blogs

Giving the Gift of Games Could Change Risk of Alzheimer’s

Games are common in checklists of gifts for Alzheimer’s patients, because they provide mental stimulation and pleasant interaction for patients and their families and other caregivers.

A July 2016 report concerning reinterpretation of data from a 10-year study related to warding off Alzheimer’s is creating a stir about cutting risk of the disease through computer brain games.

Registered nurses who aid Alzheimer’s patients know all too well the impacts the disease has on patients’ families. One concern that often arises is vulnerability of other family members to the disease and what they can do to avoid it.

Many members of Alzheimer’s families are interested in whether brain training through computer games may be beneficial.

National Institutes of Health ACTIVE Study

The study “Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly” (ACTIVE) began in 1996 and sought to discover whether brain training activities could positively affect healthy participants whose average age was 74 years old. It involved roughly 2,800 participants who were divided into three groups for different kinds of training — memory, reasoning and speed of mental processing — plus a control group.

Original interpretation of the data focused on whether certain kinds of brain games could help people with tasks such as simple math and driving. But new analysis focused on answering whether the training delayed mental decline from Alzheimer’s.

According to a July 27, 2016, report about new analysis of ACTIVE data, researchers found that participants in the speed-of-processing group showed a dramatically lowered (48 percent) development of “Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia” ten years after training. What’s amazing is the participants played the game for a total of 10 to 14 hours, all within the first half of the 10-year time frame.

The ACTIVE study didn’t concern computerized brain training. However, the new data analysis likely will encourage production of even more computer brain games than are currently on the market.

Healthy Choices for Active Brains

“At present, there’s no clear prescription medical providers can offer for preventing Alzheimer’s,” said Sarah Wood, manager of Visiting Nurse Health System’s Private Duty Program, “but regular exercise, a low fat diet and social engagement may help maintain cognitive health”.

Computer brain training may be part of the mix for cognitive health. However, as The New York Times reported about maintaining brain fitness on July 6, 2016, we need to do more than play games online.

Avoiding isolation is important. So is physical exercise, healthy diet, social interaction and opportunities to learn something new. Along with brain games, these are ingredients in a recipe for mental stimulation. Contact us to learn more about how Visiting Nurse currently helps patients manage Alzheimer to improve their quality of life.

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Today, we remember and honor all who gave their lives in service to our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication will never be forgotten. Forever grateful. 🕊️
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🏌️‍♀️ We’re proud to be part of a great cause on and off the course!

Visiting Nurse Health System | Hospice Atlanta was honored to participate in and sponsor this year's LeadingAge Georgia Golf Tournament—an event that brings together healthcare partners and changemakers in senior care. 

This tournament helps sustain the vital work of LeadingAge Georgia, empowering member organizations that serve and advocate for our aging population across the state. It’s a privilege to be part of a community so committed to compassionate, quality care for older adults. ⛳️💙

#LeadingAgeGA #GolfForACause #SeniorCare #VisitingNurseHealthSystem #HospiceAtlanta #AgingWithDignity #CommunitySupport

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🎉 Please join us in celebrating our Employee of the Month – Dykia Brummitt! 🌟

Dykia’s dedication, compassion, and positive team spirit make a lasting impact on everyone she cares for. Her commitment to our mission and values here at Visiting Nurse Health System shines through in all she does, and we are so grateful to have her on our team. 💙👏

Congratulations, Dykia—you truly embody what it means to provide care with heart! 🏆

#EmployeeOfTheMonth #VisitingNurseProud #HealthcareHeroes #ThankYouDykia #visitingnursehealthsystem

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🎉 Celebrating Nurses Month continues with our incredible nursing team at Hospice Atlanta | Visiting Nurse Home Health! 💙🩺Here's our Home Health team celebrating this week! We’re so proud of our compassionate, dedicated nurses who go above and beyond every day to care for our community in the comfort of their home. Thank you for all that you do! 👏

#NursesMonth #VisitingNurseHealthSystem #ThankYouNurses #hospiceatlanta

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We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us last Saturday for Hospice Atlanta's 3rd Annual Resilience bereavement event. Whether you came to listen, speak, or simply be present, your participation helped create a space of healing, support, and strength.

A special thank you to our incredible speakers, who so generously shared their stories, insights, and compassion. Your words touched many and reminded us all that even in grief, we are not alone.

To every attendee — your presence was powerful. Thank you for showing up for yourselves, and for each other. Together, we honored our losses and found comfort in community. Thank you to our gracious volunteers and staff who supported the event operations. Let’s continue to walk this path together. 💛

 #ResilienceEvent #GriefSupport #ThankYou #HealingTogether #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem

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💐Happy Mother's Day!💐

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Happy Nurses Week! 
Celebrating this week the incredible dedication, compassion, and resilience of nurses here at Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta and everywhere! 🌟🩺
Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, providing unwavering support and care to patients and their families. In 2025, we continue to recognize the vital role they play in our communities and their commitment to improving lives. Let's take a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation for these healthcare heroes. 

Join us in celebrating Nurses Week by sharing a story of a nurse who has inspired you or by simply saying “thank you” to a nurse who has made a difference in your life.

Thank You For All You Do!! Happy Nurses Week! 💙🏥 #nursesweek2025#healthcareheroes#ThankYouNurses#visitingnursehealthsystem#hospiceatlanta

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Thank you Mutual of America for a great time celebrating our mission, Healthcare Champions, and new friends of Visiting Nurse at Mercedes Stadium.

#visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #communityfirst

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We had a great time celebrating OT month, culminating this week with our 2025 Home Health OT Breakfast! 
Thank you OTs for all you do!

#OTMonth #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #teamworkmakesthedreamwork❤️

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Space Is Still Available - Sign Up Today!

Join us for our 3rd Annual Resilience Event on May 17th, 2025.

This FREE event is designed to support those on the grief journey.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
• Hear from others who understand the grief journey.
• Engage in grief break-out groups for shared support.
• Receive tangible tools to cope with loss and grief.
Together, we can build resilience and support each other through grief. Registration Required.

#hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem #grief

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As we continue to celebrate our volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week & Month, enjoy this message from one of our longtime volunteers and supporters sharing on why folks volunteer!

Barry gives to our community donating his time and talent in many ways impacting many around the globe, including helping individuals on their grief journey through TGBeyond! Thank you for all you do Barry!

#volunteer #volunteerappreciation #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #TGBeyond

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