November is a month marked with deep significance as we observe Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, shedding light on a progressive condition that affects millions of lives globally. Alzheimer’s Disease, a severe form of dementia, is not a natural aging process, yet it holds the grim title of being the 7th leading cause of death in the United States. The journey of coping with Alzheimer’s is not an easy one, both for the patients and their loved ones providing care.
Amid the challenging circumstances, initiatives that aim to alleviate the symptoms and enhance the quality of life for those affected deserve a spotlight. One such initiative is ‘Puzzles to Remember,’ a non-profit organization that provides specially designed puzzles to facilities caring for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. The ethos behind this initiative stems from the calming and mentally stimulating effects puzzles have on individuals grappling with this disease. Puzzles serve as a form of mental exercise that has been recognized to slow the disease’s progression by stimulating various brain areas simultaneously.
What are Alzheimer’s puzzles?
Springbok Puzzles, known for its quality and innovative puzzle designs, proudly associates itself with Puzzles to Remember, manufacturing puzzles that cater specifically to the needs of Alzheimer’s patients. These puzzles, while similar in dimensions to standard 500-piece puzzles, come in variants of 36, 60, or 100 pieces. The larger piece size makes it easier for individuals to handle and engage with the puzzles, reducing the potential for agitation and frustration often experienced with more complex puzzles.
The themes of these puzzles are meticulously chosen to evoke a sense of nostalgia and positivity, aiming to provide gentle stimulation and positive reinforcement to the users. The inspiration for Puzzles to Remember stemmed from the personal experience of Max Wallack, who observed the soothing effect puzzles had on his great-grandmother affected by Alzheimer’s. Max’s initiative has since blossomed into a significant endeavor, distributing over 5,000 puzzles across North America in the first half of 2012 alone.
An Interview with Max Wallack
Now under the stewardship of Executive Director Hailey Richman, Puzzles to Remember continues to expand its horizon, reaching out globally and also launching programs like PuzzleTime. This program enlists volunteer students to visit nursing facilities, engaging the residents in puzzle-solving activities, thereby creating a ripple of positive impact in the community.
Alzheimer’s Awareness and Support
Springbok Puzzles is honored to contribute to this noble cause, embodying the belief that every effort counts in the battle against Alzheimer’s. By manufacturing and supporting the distribution of Puzzles to Remember, Springbok Puzzles reinforces its commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.
As we mark Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, let’s also take a moment to acknowledge and support the endeavors that aim to bring solace and improved quality of life to those affected by Alzheimer’s Disease. Through collaborative efforts and a shared sense of humanity, we can indeed make strides in alleviating the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s, one puzzle piece at a time.
