Cognitive stimulation, an ally in preserving memory among people with diabetes

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Extract from the article: Cognitive stimulation can help preserve memory and attention abilities among people living with diabetes. This was explained by Ms. Adiel Lotri, a mental health occupational therapist specializing in neuropsychological testing, during a presentation

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Cognitive stimulation can help preserve memory and attention abilities among people living with diabetes. This was explained by Ms. Adiel Lotri, a mental health occupational therapist specializing in neuropsychological testing, during a presentation held via videoconference on Zoom on Friday, August 14, as part of the month dedicated to diabetes patient education. The initiative is organized by the Young Intellectuals Association for Food Security in Togo (JISA-Togo), with support from its partners.

Held under the theme « The Contribution of Cognitive Stimulation to Memory Disorders in People with Diabetes », the session highlighted the potential effects of diabetes on brain functions and ways to preserve them.

Diabetes can affect cognitive functions

According to Adiel Lotri, significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels, oxidative stress, inflammation and insulin resistance can gradually affect certain brain functions. « Diabetes can affect several cognitive functions, including memory, attention and executive functions », she explained, noting that these difficulties may remain unnoticed for a long time before affecting independence and quality of life.

The specialist recalled that cognitive functions encompass several essential brain abilities, including memory, attention, perception and executive functions, which enable people to plan, inhibit certain responses and adapt to different situations.

Simple activities to stimulate memory

To address cognitive difficulties associated with diabetes, the specialist recommends cognitive stimulation, which involves regularly engaging in activities that challenge different brain abilities. « Cognitive stimulation helps regularly train memory, attention and reasoning », Ms. Adiel Lotri said, adding that this practice can help maintain cognitive abilities and improve quality of life.

She encouraged people with diabetes to incorporate simple activities into their daily routines, including walking, reading, memory games, learning new things and social interaction. She also highlighted traditional Togolese games such as awalé, riddles and proverbs, which, according to her, help stimulate intellectual abilities while promoting social interaction and reducing stress.

Practical exercises

The session included practical exercises that enabled participants to apply the techniques presented. They carried out observation and memorization exercises involving everyday objects, as well as activities requiring them to identify elements in a scene. Another exercise involved comparing two images presented successively in order to identify differences. This activity particularly engages attention, observation, memory and analytical skills.

For Adiel Lotri, the effectiveness of these activities depends mainly on regular practice. « The exercises should be practiced regularly, activities that are enjoyable should be chosen, and above all, they should be adapted to each person’s abilities», she recommended.

The mental health occupational therapist therefore emphasized the importance of early prevention and management of cognitive disorders to help maintain independence and promote active aging among people living with diabetes.

The session concluded with a reminder of the importance of regularly exercising one’s cognitive abilities: « Memory only deteriorates when it is not used; it must be nurtured like a garden. »

William O.