Dementia Awareness Week, 15 – 21 May

My first Twiddlemuff!

Dementia is something that scares us all whether it's the fear of developing it or coping with a family member who has this awful illness. 

You feel so helpless at times when you see a member of your family slipping away from you. This year 15 - 21 May is Dementia Awareness Week when The Alzheimer's Society will encourage people who are afraid of dementia to contact them for advice and support.

Last week I joined a knitting group who meet at a local church to knit things for local charities. One of the things we are making is a Twiddlemuff.  They are designed to sooth restless hands & reduce agitation by providing stimulation for active hands, while promoting increased flexibility and brain stimulation.  So they are ideal for people with dementia or other mental health problems.

You can find out more on the NHS website here and the pattern is there too. It's a very simple one and knits up quickly using up spare wool and other bits and bobs.

The picture at the top is my first attempt.  Have to say it is quite addictive holding it, I used really soft wool for the interior and put satin ribbons inside and outside. I will be loathe to part with it next week so might just have to make one for myself! 

Knitting Delays Dementia

Well I always knew it was good for you but I didn't realise just how much!

Neuroscientists at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, US, have been studying the benefits of crafts in reducing memory loss. In case you ever needed proof that knitting is good for you, here’s the story.

Nearly 200 people between 70 and 89 took part in the study. The results showed that regularly taking part in craft activities such as knitting or patchwork can reduce memory loss by 40%.

It appears that watching hours of television increases the risk of memory loss, so to make the most of knitting’s essential benefits, switch off the telly and stick with the knitting.

The UK’s Alzheimer’s Society has come to similar conclusions, and believes that certain activities, including knitting, can enable the brain to develop reserve brain connections that can delay dementia.

Well now you can justify all that stuff you buy. No need for excuses, you have a valid reason. "Oh no pet, I'm not wasting money, I'm staving off demenentia"!

I got this information from Coats Craft website. There are some great free knitting, crochet, cross stitch and sewing patterns there.

Another good site I found lots of good stuff on was All About You. It has some really good free knitting patterns in the craft section.

I especially liked this little girl's cardi. I can see I'll be knitting it for Lauren. There's a long sleeved version too.

All About You

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