There are many visual thinking tools that may help maintain cognitive functioning during the course of aging. Even simple adult coloring books — the current rage, soon to pass — can help one move into a positive and creative state.

Why not go to explore imaginative drawing, doodling, and mind mapping, each of which adds tools to the lower levels in an attempt to teach the brain how to use structured visual thinking to organize information and remember it, plan, make decisions, and maintain at least semi-independence as cognitive decline progresses and dementia may emerge.

The following mind model gives a few of my thoughts on the psychology of all of this and the benefits that accrue in progressing from one level to the next.

What do you think?

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