An interview with Rena Yudkowsky: Memory Matters with Rena on July 26, 2024.
Biography
Rena Yudkowsky, a professional memory coach and geriatric social worker, is the founder of Memory Matters. She teaches online memory improvement courses to mid-lifers and seniors. Over the past twenty years in the field, she has served as the director of an Alzheimer’s unit in an assisted living facility in Maryland, the director of development at a senior enrichment program in Israel, trainer for dementia caregivers, facilitator of support groups, and international lecturer on aging topics.
Currently, she is a licensed brain health trainer by Dr. Amen and does 1:1 memory coaching as well.
She is super passionate about her mission of helping those 50 + to age more healthfully, both physically and cognitively, as she empowers them to believe in their own memory with confidence.
Please tell me a little about your background.
I am a geriatric social worker and memory coach. I started working with seniors as a young teenager when I volunteered in nursing homes. I loved it so much that I pursued a career in geriatric social work.
Can you tell me more about your organization?
I founded Memory Matters as a platform to teach online memory improvement courses for mid-lifers and seniors. I have also developed several other programs and memberships to help seniors by empowering them to sharpen their memory.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in dementia awareness?
My passion is helping seniors to age more confidently by giving them hope and techniques to improve their memory. Even if someone has dementia, there is a lot they can do to live happily and healthfully.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
1.To learn techniques to help them remember names, numbers, and lists of items, as well as other important things like whether they took their meds, turned off their stove, and where they put their keys.
- to stimulate and challenge their brains so they stay sharper for longer
What type of training and how long are the programs?
- Memory Matters Signature Course is 14 sessions on zoom and covers everything that you want to know about memory, from techniques to the research on lifestyle factors to prevent dementia.
- ReMembership- three-month membership, that includes weekly videos and brain exercises and a monthly group coaching call.
- Mpower-daily brain training Whatsapp group
- Monday Memory Motivation-monthly zoom sessions with brain tips and brain exercises
- You Name It! two-part masterclass to remember names.
- Stand-alone webinars for senior groups and organizations about memory and aging.
What effect can it have on an individual with dementia?
The goals of the different programs are to improve memory, stimulate the brain, and increase confidence in your memory.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
I would like to be able to reach more people with my programs that are struggling with MCI-mild cognitive impairment.
What events do you participate in?
I have participated in summits, conferences, and most recently, a collaborative book, called The Caregiver’s Advocate. I wrote the chapter on memory called, Why did I come to the fridge? 4 techniques to improve focus and memory.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
The book has been an amazing resource for caregivers. It is available on Amazon and has 20 chapters from different professionals in the caregiving space.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
www.renayudkowsky.com and my email is rena@renayudkowsky.com
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Learn about the disease, support those suffering and their caregivers, volunteer for organizations that advocate for dementia, and raise money for them as well.
How do I know if my memory loss is normal?
If you are concerned about your memory, feel free to reach out to me for a free consultation. We will discuss your concerns and I will offer any help that I can. Also, you can join my email list (from my website) and you will receive a free checklist of “Is my memory loss normal?”
In your opinion what is the key to effective advocacy?
Education and awareness are crucial. Really understanding the plight of the patients and their caregivers will help us advocate better.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for dementia?
Educate the population on the difficulty of caregivers.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
I exercise often, spend time in nature, spend time with friends, and take supplements to help me live healthier.
Why should people who don’t have dementia care about this?
Most people know someone who has dementia or someone who is a caregiver for someone with dementia. It is a growing health issue and the more we know about preventing it, the more we can live a healthy lifestyle.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by dementia?
I have some older friends with Parkinson’s. I have both a father and father-in-law with dementia.
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
I mostly listen to Jewish songs and Hebrew songs. There is a beautiful song called, Father, my King, that I love. It is in English, written by some teenage boys from Waterbury.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the community, what would it be?
You can improve your memory through training and stimulation.