Program Goals
A Gathering of Minds is an innovative therapeutic program for adults in the early stages of memory loss. This online, highly interactive program provides intellectual stimulation and social connection for its members, as well as respite for caregivers through the evidence-based practices of Recreational Therapy.
One of the goals of A Gathering of Minds is that the sessions should never feel like therapy. For members, meetings are a fun part of their day where they get to see friends, laugh, share ideas, and experience themselves as whole. The programming changes daily and supports the intellectual needs of educated people who have lived full and interesting lives. Discussions, abstract thinking, reminiscence, creativity, and self-expression are actively encouraged and facilitated by the group leader. We touch on many domains—intellectual, creative, spiritual, reminiscence, and humor through connecting with the world and with one another.
The therapeutic approach of A Gathering of Minds seeks to increase the quality of life of its members through its evidence-based program that:
Alleviates loneliness
Fights apathy
Builds cognitive reserve
Loneliness
Research shows that loneliness significantly contributes to cognitive and functional decline in seniors with and without dementia. A Gathering of Minds’ programs are delivered entirely online, a convenient and safe way for members to engage and connect with others on a regular basis. Our meetings are highly interactive and have a maximum enrollment of 11 participants plus a Meeting Facilitator to ensure the active participation of each member.
Apathy
Apathy is not the same as depression, although the two states are often confused. Many care partners say that their loved one is no longer interested in the things that used to engage them. Often, the truth is that their interests are still very much there, but they are no longer able to independently think of or act on them. A good analogy would be owning a file cabinet full of great information but not being able to open the file drawers to access it. A Gathering of Minds’ approach is to present a wide variety of topics, ensuring that members are intellectually and emotionally engaged. The Meeting Facilitator makes sure that all members have multiple opportunities to share and participate during the meeting. Members offer thoughtful insights, facts, and opinions as they respond to the various topics.
Cognitive Reserve
Cognitive reserve is a neurological reservoir that develops with lifelong engagement in challenging intellectual activities and can compensate for and slow cognitive decline. Studies show that building cognitive reserve can delay cognitive and functional decline by up to five years in seniors who already show the biological markers of Alzheimer’s (plaques and tau) in brain scans. A Gathering of Minds’ programming is unique in that it is specifically designed to increase cognitive reserve. But increasing cognitive reserve is very different than merely providing activities to ward off boredom. Scientists have determined that in order to build cognitive reserve, activities must:
Present new and intellectually challenging content. A Gathering of Minds offers sophisticated content geared toward educated people which changes daily.
Engage participants in analytical thought (ex. simply looking at art does not build cognitive reserve, but actively analyzing art does). The Meeting Facilitator ensures the active participation of all members.
Provide this type of programming in a social environment. Keeping meeting enrollment to no more than 11 participants encourages friendships and a sense of belonging.
