Memory Nurture

17/12/2025

🍰🧠 “Who knew cake could be good for your brain?”

A new dessert called the “Unforgettable Cake”, created by Sydney pastry chef Christopher Thé in partnership with experts at UNSW, is specially designed for the clients of Meals on Wheels NSW. The twist? Instead of sugar-heavy frosting and lots of cream, this cake uses things like beetroot, spinach, olive oil, turmeric, blueberries and honey, ingredients believed to support brain health and cognitive function.

🥄 The goal behind the cake is beautiful: as Meals on Wheels celebrates their 70th anniversary, the “Unforgettable Cake” becomes more than just a treat — it’s a conversation starter about ageing, memory, and how the food we eat can play a role in overall wellbeing.

If you think food can nourish more than just our bodies… this one really proves it.

Sydney pastry chef Christopher Thé and health experts from the University of New South Wales develop a brain-friendly cake for food delivery charity, Meals on Wheels.

16/12/2025

🌟 Did you know that tiny bursts of activity throughout your day can seriously boost your health?

Research shows that “activity microbursts”, short, energetic movements like fast walking, taking the stairs, or doing chores with a bit more effort, can make a big difference.

These quick bursts (even just 1 minute!) can help:
✅ Improve heart health
✅ Lower the risk of chronic disease
✅ Counteract long periods of sitting
✅ Boost overall fitness

In fact, doing just 3–4 short bursts of movement a day has been linked to a much lower risk of early death and heart disease.

💡 Simple ways to add microbursts into your day:
• Walk briskly between tasks
• Take the stairs at home or work
• Pick up the pace when cleaning or gardening
• Play actively with kids or pets
• Add a short fast walk into your lunch break

The best part? It’s easy, free, and fits into even the busiest schedule. Every little bit counts! 💙

From running up stairs, to rigorous gardening: these everyday activities could boost your health and help you live longer.

15/12/2025

🎁 Thank You for Joining Our 7 Days of Dementia-Friendly Christmas Tips! 🌟

We hope these simple ideas have helped you feel more confident and inspired to create a calm, meaningful Christmas for the people you care about. 💛

Remember, it’s the small moments of kindness, patience, and connection that make the biggest difference.

From all of us, we wish you and your loved ones a peaceful, joyful, and memory-filled Christmas. 🎄💫

14/12/2025

💞 Day 7: Look After Yourself Too

Caring for someone with dementia can be especially challenging at Christmas.
Take time for yourself; rest, ask for help, and do something that recharges you.
When you care for yourself, you can give your best care to others. 🌟

{image courtesy of Museum of Happiness]

13/12/2025

🎶 Day 6: Use Music and Memories

Music can spark wonderful memories and lift the mood.
Playing familiar carols or songs from their younger years can help bring comfort and connection, even when words are hard to find. 🎵💖

12/12/2025

💬 Day 5: Be Patient and Present

Conversations may take longer, or someone may repeat themselves, and that’s okay.
Slow down, listen, and respond with warmth.
Your calm, reassuring presence can make all the difference. 🌷

11/12/2025

🍽️ Day 4: Create a Dementia-Friendly Meal

Christmas meals can be tricky, too many choices or distractions can make it hard to eat.
Keep food simple, serve one course at a time, and offer familiar favourites.
It’s about comfort, not perfection. 🥧💛

10/12/2025

🕯️ Day 3: Focus on Simple Joys

You don’t need grand celebrations; small, familiar traditions can bring the most joy.
Play a favourite Christmas song, look through old photos, or decorate the tree together.

Moments of connection are what truly make the season special. ✨

09/12/2025

🎁 Day 2: Keep Routines in Mind

People with dementia feel more secure with familiar routines.
Try to keep mealtimes, rest, and regular activities as close to normal as possible, even during the festivities.
A little structure helps reduce confusion and stress. ⏰💚

08/12/2025

🎄 Day 1: Keep it Calm and Comfortable

The holiday season can be busy and loud, but for someone living with dementia, too much noise or activity can be overwhelming.

Try keeping gatherings small and calm, with familiar surroundings and faces.
A peaceful environment helps everyone enjoy the moment. 💛

07/12/2025

🎄 7 Days of Dementia-Friendly Christmas Tips 💫

The festive season is a time for joy, connection, and togetherness, but it can also bring challenges for people living with dementia and their families.

Over the next week, we’ll be sharing 7 simple tips to help make Christmas calmer, more meaningful, and enjoyable for everyone. 💛

Small changes can make a big difference, helping create moments of comfort, laughter, and love.

Stay tuned for Tip 1 tomorrow! 🌟

06/12/2025

Research shows that social connection is not only a modifiable risk factor, but also slows down cognitive decline in people who have a diagnosis of dementia.