DUBLIN, Ohio — The impact of Alzheimer’s is on the rise.
USAgainstAlzheimers.org states nearly 7 million Americans are living with the disease. By 2050, that number is expected to double.
But certain activities can help people dealing with memory loss, like baking.
What You Need To Know
- A few residents at Dublin Retirement Village take part in a baking club
- The club is meant for people in memory care and helps those living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- Director of Memory Support Elizabeth Monroe said baking helps residents with hand-eye coordination and also keeps them active
Nancy Korb has been baking nearly all her life, but she was diagnosed with dementia.
Korb now lives at the Dublin Retirement Village where she joined a baking club. It’s for seniors in memory care, and this time, they’re making something from Korb’s past: her famous apple crisp.
"It's like she's still home,” Korb’s daughter Rebecca Varey said. "We call her Nancy Stewart because she is perfect in her cooking."
Director of Memory Support Elizabeth Monroe said baking really benefits the residents.
"We all know the old saying, if you don't use it, you'll lose it. So, while we're in our baking club,” Monroe explained, “they are using those muscles, stirring those bowls. They have their hand-eye coordination going on when pouring and measuring certain ingredients. It really just livens them and awakens them in the moment."
The apple crisp was a big hit among the residents, and there’s no one else to thank but Nancy Korb herself.
"So proud of my mom,” said Varey, “and if I can ever live up to her cooking and housekeeping, that would be great. But I'm not sure if I can."
To help people affected by Alzheimer's, you could donate here. Proceeds go toward care and support for those living with the disease.