Maintaining sensory health - sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell - is essential for keeping the brain active, supporting executive function, and enhancing quality of life for people living with dementia. Our senses provide the brain with the information it needs to focus, plan, adapt, and interact with the world. 

How Senses Support the Brain 

The brain constantly processes signals from the environment through:

• Eyes (Visual Cortex) – sight helps navigate spaces and recognize faces.

• Ears (Auditory Cortex) – hearing supports communication and social connection.

• Touch & Body Awareness (Somatosensory Cortex) – proprioception guides movement and coordination.

• Smell (Olfactory Cortex) – triggers emotions, memories, and alerts to danger.

• Taste (Primary Taste Area) – combines with smell to enjoy food safely.

When sensory input declines, the brain areas responsible for processing these signals become less active, which can affect memory, attention, and problem-solving.

Executive Function and Sensory Awareness 

Keeping the senses sharp helps maintain critical executive functions:

• Attention & Focus – clear vision and hearing support engagement with tasks and conversations.

• Working Memory – sensory cues help retain and apply information.

• Cognitive Flexibility – awareness of surroundings aids safe adaptation to change.

• Self-Monitoring & Problem-Solving – detecting hazards relies on sharp senses.

Unchecked sensory decline can increase frustration, reduce social participation, and strain daily decision-making.

Practical Ways to Maintain Sensory Health 

• Schedule regular eye and hearing exams.

• Ensure good lighting and reduce background noise.

• Engage in sensory-rich activities, like gardening, cooking, or crafts.

• Use adaptive tools (glasses, hearing aids, tactile aids) as needed.

• Encourage mindful awareness to strengthen attention and memory.

Sharp Senses, Strong Brain 

Maintaining sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell helps the brain stay alert and supports executive functions like attention, working memory, and problem-solving. Sensory-rich activities, mindful awareness, and adaptive tools can boost cognition, reduce frustration, and improve quality of life for people living with dementia.