Memory Jogging Puzzles

We don’t often talk about new games in this column, but we think our readers will understand why these beautiful jigsaw puzzles caught our attention. Not only does each one feature a Saturday Evening Post cover by Norman Rockwell, but the 6- and 12-piece wooden puzzles are also designed especially for the enjoyment and benefit of people with memory problems.

Memory Jogging Puzzles are the brainchild of graphic designer Karen Miller, who, after reading an article about Alzheimer’s disease and contacting activity directors at memory care centers, discovered an unmet need for simple puzzles with adult themes. Miller was also inspired by memories of her mother, an avid puzzle solver before strokes and memory loss left her unable to manipulate small pieces.

“I was a little nervous about the reaction I was going to receive from residents of a memory treatment center when using my products for the first time,” admits Miller, who also created oversized playing cards with the same Norman Rockwell themes. “Then, we did the puzzles, played the card games, laughed, talked, and reminisced. I don’t know who enjoyed it most, them or me!”

Caregivers and loved ones also report rewarding results with the products. For more information and to order, visit memoryjoggingpuzzles.com or call Karen Miller at 1-815-444-0661 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CST.

Medical Mailbox

Keep Skin Moist to Prevent Bruising

My mother has blotches on her arms and legs that look like blood vessels have burst below the skin surface. They spread across the arms and/or legs and are purple and black in color. It's very distressing to her. What causes these to appear, and how might we address the problem?

“Crinkling” of the Retina

I was diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica about seven years ago. Recently, my sedimentation rate was elevated and a rheumatologist prescribed Hydroxychlor (generic name: plaquenil). He also suggested that I see my eye doctor every six months, as the drug can cause eye problems. My sed rate is back to normal, and I am doing much better. However, I am having "crinkling" of the retina. My eye doctor says this is not due to the Hydroxychlor. Can you tell me what might cause the crinkling to develop? My vision is now slightly blurred. Thank you for any comments.

Help for Nerve Pain

I am not diabetic but have a bad case of neuropathy. Gabapentin is not helping me. Are there other medications to relieve this discomfort? Your medical column is most helpful and informative. I look forward to each issue.

How Cancer Spreads

I heard at the beauty shop that a person with cancer was told that cancer always grows up. She has ovarian cancer, and they wanted to scan her stomach. Does cancer grow up the body?

Plan Ahead for Overseas Trips

After surgery for prostate cancer, my husband is left with an incontinence problem. We would like to travel to Germany, but have two questions: Are men’s incontinence pads available in other countries? How can we avoid explaining his metal clamp at airport security checkpoints?