Help us to make a real difference today. Donate to support our Social Enterprise’s aims to help our older adults living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s enjoy social and physical activity through participating in T3 Foundation Ping Pong, as well as all the Health, Wellbeing and Happiness benefits that it brings. To donate, please just contact us directly with the details below:
All funds generated through donations will go directly to the T3 Foundation, to enable us to put more T3 Ping Pong Foundation Kits into more care homes sooner.
FIGHTING DEMENTIA
Research shows Alzheimer’s could be slowed with depression drug
Drugs that have been previously used to treat depression and cancer could now be “re purposed” to slow the onset of Alzheimer’s and other degenerative brain diseases.
A new study carried out by researches from the University of Cambridge, University of Nottingham and the Medical Research Center Toxicology Unit in Leicester, UK, has shown two older drugs that could be re-purposed to fight dementia. Degenerative diseases are conditions which cause progressive damage to the brain’s functions. In this study mice were infected with diseses that mimicked neurodegenerative diseases, they were treated with two drugs: trazodone hydrochloride (used to treat depression and anxiety) and dibenzoylmethane (a drug used to treat some cancers).
Both of these drugs were shown to restore protein production in the brains of the mice. Professor Giovanna Mallucci who led the team said, “We know that trazodone is safe to use in humans, so a clinical trial is now possible to test whether the protective effects of the drug we see on brain cells in mice with neurodegeneration also applies to people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.”
This exciting early-stage research demonstrates a beneficial neurological effect of tradzodone and dibnzolymethane on mice with diseases that mimic neurodegenerative diseases. Trazodone is already an approved drug for humans. If the mechanisms of neurodegeneration in humans and mice are similar it is possible that this drug could be used in the future of treating Alzheimer’s. It could be several years before these drugs are available for dementia treatment.
STUDYING THE BENEFITS OF T3
T3 Foundation Study benefits of group, seated Ping Pong for Dementia
T3 Foundation have continued to study the benefits of seated T3 Foundation Kits for residents in care homes living with dementia. Starting in 2016, The T3 Foundation began visiting care homes in the North London area to test how the T3 Foundation Kit would be received by residents. The results since our first care home visit have been astonishing and led to our 12-week programme at Trees – Hill Homes.
Steve Drew, Manager at Trees, agreed to our 12 week plan after seeing the positive impact of the T3 Foundation Kit session first hand. Half an hour into the session our participants already show a change in behaviour. By the end of the session everyone is sitting happy around the table engaged in conversation.
After only 5 weeks we are already beginning to see improvements from our regular participants. Our attention has been focused on the physical, mental and emotional impact of the T3 Foundation Kit on the residents. Through observation we can already see improvement in table tennis skill with rallies continue longer than our first session. They are also enjoying the social benefit of the T3 Foundation Kit shown through the playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks around the table. The main difference is spotted once the session ends. A room which was quiet when we walked in is now filled with conversation as we are leaving.
A cold windy Tuesday evening did not stop locals from Holloway coming out and showing the best of true ‘community spirit’ to support T3 Foundation’s first ever ping pong party held at The Edward Lear.
The ticketed event opened by The Worshipful the Mayor of Islington, Kat Fletcher, and consort, The Reverend Melanie Toogood, included a welcoming drink and a free mince pie on arrival. Followed by a night of ping pong fun by taking part in a knock out tournament, all for a fantastic cause.
Digi Berry, T3 Foundation Founder said “A huge thank you to The Worshipful the Mayor of Islington Kat Fletcher and consort The Reverend Melanie Toogood for supporting our first event. The feedback has been amazing, with people taking a genuine interest in what we do, not only by donating money but also by asking how they can get involved in future events. We’ve got off to a brilliant start and look forward to even more in 2017”
NEVER TOO OLD FOR GOLD
Active lifestyle and Dementia
“You’re never too old for gold.” This is the mantra of the surprisingly spritely competitors in the over-80s World Table Tennis Championships who are living proof of the benefits of leading an active lifestyle well into retirement.
And it’s not just physical wellbeing they enjoy. Did you know that there is mounting evidence to show that playing ping pong can tackle the onset of dementia and control the progress of it for those who are already suffering? The T3 Foundation Kit offers all these benefits as well as being even more sociable than traditional table tennis.
Research indicates that any exercise that gets your circulation going can help to slow cognitive decline as well as reducing the risk of dementia. Exercise boosts the size of the hippocampus through increased cerebral blood flow; the hippocampus is the part of our brain which is central to our ability to form new memories and crucially, it is this which is seen to shrink in individuals with Alzheimer’s, as shown in the images below. And ping pong, it seems, is one of the best activities to choose from, in the fight against dementia. So much so, that in the US, table tennis is used as therapy for patients living with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Aside from the great overall workout it gives your body, ping pong requires the brain to be constantly engaged. It’s not simply a matter of hitting a ball to and fro; the player must also keep an eye on the ball as well as on their opponent’s movements which demands good hand-eye co-ordination and decent spatial awareness. And this is not just theoretical; studies have shown that table tennis activates various parts of the brain simultaneously. The player is required to be both mentally and physically alert at the same time.
In the USA, the non-profit Sport and Art Educational Foundation (SAEF) runs a ping pong therapy programme in Los Angeles for Alzheimer’s patients. Elderly locals play once or twice a week and the focus is on a low-impact game that stimulates concentration and improves motor function while also lifting the player’s mood. SAEF started the programme in response to a large clinical study(1) in Japan dating back to 1997. Their sample of 3,000 elderly players was shown to have increased frontal lobe function after just two minutes of play. They also witnessed physical, mental and emotional improvements such as patients no longer needing wheelchairs or assistance to walk; number of patients with acute depression falling; and some had their dementia rating downgraded by the end of the study.
Meanwhile, in the UK, care homes for the elderly are also realising the potential benefits for their residents. Iain Batchelor, a trainer at Abbeyfield Girton Green said, “Our ping pong club has become a regular weekly activity and we have made sure that the tables are accessible at all times for residents and their families by placing them in our communal area. By having these facilities on site, it allows the residents to meet and socialise with each other whilst keeping active and healthy at the same time. Many residents have seen improvements with regards to balance, improved leg strength and hand to eye co-ordination skills.”
The T3 Foundation Kit takes these benefits to a whole new level with six players around the table at the same time, meaning you have to keep your eye on three opponents, not just one. The game is played on a circular table with specially constructed nets adding yet another dimension to the game.
The T3 Foundation Kit has many over-80s fans who not only enjoy playing ping pong, but relish the social element as well. Andre Leung, 83, hosts a regular match with a group of friends. “It started out as a novelty, but now we wouldn’t miss our Monday matches. I come away from the table feeling really alive and motivated. I’m sure that’s to do with how much I have to concentrate while I’m playing as well as the good old gossip in between the rallies!”
Sources
(1) ‘The Effectiveness of Exercise Intervention on Brain Disease Patients: Utilizing Table Tennis as a Rehabilitation Program’ conducted by Dr. Teruaki Mori and Dr. Tomohiko Sato.
Image courtesy of the National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health and Image courtesy of SAEF
Ping-Pong Improves Brain Function
It’s More Than A Fun Game
It also helps with detection and treatment of autism, Asperger’s, Alzheimer’s, dyslexia, and more.
The unpredictability and high speed of play require mental and physical agility. Making speedy decisions, exercising fine-motor control, and developing highly efficient hand-eye coordination can help improve function in both the primary motor cortex and cerebellum.Like most clubs, the first few meetings attracted a crowd of curious teens, but as the year progressed, the club started to shrink in size. Eventually it was reduced to about 10 loyal participants. I was really surprised to notice that almost all of them were students with special needs.
I wondered why. A little research clarified that Ping-Pong (also known as table tennis) is considered a “brain sport.” It activates different parts of the brain simultaneously and stimulates overall awareness, while its fast pace helps sharpen alertness and decision making. Wendy Suzuki, Ph.D., professor of neuroscience and psychology at New York University, cites the sport’s impressive and varied benefits: “In Ping-Pong, we have enhanced motor functions, enhanced strategy functions, and enhanced long-term memory functions.” The unpredictability and high speed of play require mental and physical agility. Making speedy decisions, exercising fine-motor control, and developing highly efficient hand-eye coordination can help improve function in both the primary motor cortex and cerebellum.
Rob Bernstein, an autism and Asperger’s specialist, has used table tennis in workshops with children with disabilities in order to improve their social and motor skills. Ping-Pong can also help diagnose ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. The eye tracking involved in games requiring hand-eye coordination has been shown to be effective for early detection of these disorders. “Ping-Pong provides the perfect opportunity for me to help these kids deal with social interactions,” he says. “They have to be able to say ‘nice shot’ when an opponent gets a point, ask someone new to play—even just learn how to play by the rules.”
The students in my club played with enthusiasm and cooperation, even if upon joining the group they were having trouble connecting with others. It wound up being not just fun for them individually but a socially stimulating activity that helped them interact with each other.
Elderly Ping-Pong players tend to experience functional improvements in the frontal lobes of the brain, which regulate decision making, problem solving, and voluntary movements. Patients who went through a table tennis rehabilitation program also tended to be less dependent on wheelchairs.But the benefits don’t stop there. Patients with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease have also been helped by treatment programs using Ping-Pong. A 1997 clinical study in Japan discovered that people with brain diseases who played the game experienced a boost in brain function and awareness, as well as a decrease in dementia and depression. The study found that elderly Ping-Pong players tend to experience functional improvements in the frontal lobes of the brain, which regulate decision making, problem solving, and voluntary movements. Patients who went through a table tennis rehabilitation program also tended to be less dependent on wheelchairs.
These observed treatment effects have prompted places like the Gilbert Table Tennis Center in Los Angeles to implement table tennis therapy programs. Here, Alzheimer’s patients take hourlong “lessons” that involve simple volley exercises, and the results have been promising for improving memory.
Now when I pick up my paddle, I think of all the benefits this simple, fun game can give players—athletically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Who would have thought that sending a little white ball over a net could accomplish so much?
Copy by Violet Decker
WORLD ALZHEIMER’S DAY 2016
T3 Foundation showcase benefits of T3 Foundation Kit on World Alzheimer’s Day!
World Alzheimer’s Day 21st September 2016
To celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day T3 Foundation and Hill Homes, a residential care home in North London, are delighted to announce that they will partner for stage three of T3 Foundation’s research into the benefits of playing ping pong on those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The T3 Foundation Kit’s round design means that more players can play at the same time and can surround the ball so it is less likely to leave the table, another benefit is that they can play seated! No special chairs are required meaning players can use their standard lounge chairs or wheelchairs. For this reason it has been possible to work with very elderly and advanced suffers of the conditions which would be impossible with a traditional table.
T3 Foundation’s research results so far have established:
The best exercises and games to play by physical and mental ability/condition.
The designs of bats that are more suitable for certain players depending on their physical agility and mental ability. This has led to the development of a special ‘Senior T3 Foundation bat’ being designed from the research findings in the second stage of the study. It is being progressed with the help of Stag International (India’s biggest table tennis and bat manufacturer; and sponsor of more Para Olympic table tennis players than any other brand. The two brothers who own the company also used to play table tennis for India so know the sport inside out!)
The best ball colour, weight and size depending on the players physical agility and mental ability.
Optimum time per session and activity structure.
The remarkable benefit to the social and emotional well-being of the participants.
Stage 3- What’s next…
12 week study into:
The clinical benefits of playing and ideal frequency.
The psychological benefits of participation and their longer term effects.
the social benefits of the game to the residents and carers within the care home.
The rates of improvement among participants over the research period.
We are delighted to be partnering with T3 Foundation on the third stage of their research and look forward to seeing the benefits of the game rub off on more of our residents! So far the response has been incredibly positive it has surprised us all. This could be our ‘Awakenings’! ‘
Study of the impact of T3 Foundation Kit on our older adults
Back in 1997, Japanese studies showed the world how ping pong activated up to 5 areas of the brain in Alzheimer’s subjects during play. In light of this surprising and positive discovery, table tennis was designated the ‘World’s Number One Brain Sport’.
Today, 18 years on, T3 Foundation 3-a-side ping pong experienced a similar revelation as it completed stage 1 of its study on; ‘The impact of the T3 Foundation Kit on Elderly UK Care Home Residents including Alzheimer’s and Dementia sufferers.’
Touring a range of inner London care homes, to first test SEATED T3 Foundation ping pong where communal space is limited, T3 Foundation discovered that it wasn’t just about the physical and mental health benefits of ping pong that were experienced, but with the T3 Foundation Kit came something extra; an overwhelmingly positive emotional reaction to game. Time and time again the implementation team witnessed the fun and joy experienced by the participants.
The study showed just how good ping pong was at stimulating yet more parts of the brain!
At the end of each session 100% of residents fed back that they ‘enjoyed participating’, ‘would like to play again’ and ‘had fun!’ 75% described it as ‘sociable’ with 68% loving the fact that they could chat while playing. And a further 45% saying specifically that ‘…It makes them laugh!’ Almost three quarters of them also agreed that it would be a great game to play with visiting family and friends.
It was definitely voted as a weekly activity option they would like to have with 20% even suggesting daily.
After an initially cautious response from a number of onsite physiotherapists, by the time they had witnessed the whole session, they all agreed that the social and physical benefits combined made it a winner. The only negative comment received from one was ‘…but who is going to pick up the balls?’ A volunteer quickly jumped in and said ‘I will – this is worth it!’
T3 Foundation was the right choice of table for the homes in terms of size, ease of set up, number of players round the table and storage. It fitted well in all venues.The circular shape meant it could also be used in smaller rooms where for example, traditional rectangular tables would struggle to be accommodated. The physical testing of the ‘seated’ aspect of the game, using standard static care home lounge chairs and wheelchairs worked well with no issues for the players or Activities Coordinators.
Some of the care homes did discuss taking the table outside in summer or using the T30 full size tournament table, but there was quite a lot of compelling evidence to suggest that the participants were much more comfortable playing inside with consistent lighting1, no breeze or temperature fluctuations2 , sound control3 and a familiar, consistent and flat surface underfoot.
The best colour combination for play was by far ‘an orange ball on the matte black surface’. The hard net was also enjoyed and useful as participants, especially those not playing a game, could track the ball for longer and give them multiple chances to reconnect with the ball. The activity wasn’t over in one shot nor were they reliant on an opponent to return the ball. Better players tended to hit harder and enjoy the centre position often refusing to rotate or leave the table.
Interestingly the 3-a-side aspect of the T3 Foundation game often didn’t concern the participants who were more interested in how many players they could get around the table. The average number of players at each session was 8 (this usually included 2 wheelchair participants – one per side), 4-a-side worked well as players tended not to ‘poach’ or reach too far across for the ball due to physical or sight impairments).
The research teams noted that at the end of each session approximately a third of participants had slight but visible, perspiration on their faces. However when asked if the room was too warm or stuffy at the time, players were all very firm in answering ‘no’ and any breeze was found to be uncomfortable or even irritating2. This was in fact the only negative encountered.
Each care home had an average of 20% negative participants who said they did not want to join in but by the end of the session they were laughing with everyone else and didn’t want the session to end. It was also heartening to receive personal ‘thank yous’ and ‘requests to return next week!’ from these players especially.
Some of the better players tried out the smaller T3 Supermini bats (see pg.7), expectation was that it would reduce strike rate – it did not! Some even played better as they found it easier to hold the smaller bat due to weak/arthritic hands and wrists.
They all very much enjoyed holding their own ball, as well as serving. Lots of free play took place using multiple balls to warm up. Structured sessions were more effective where play levels were similar.
Those with more extreme physical disabilities, through mental health issues, dementia or more advance Alzheimer’s, responded very well to one on one coaching and with only one ball in play at a time. The rest of the players surprisingly, responded better with multiple balls on the table, they found it more fun! And felt it gave them more chances to hit.
At each venue there were approximately the same number of observers in attendance who watched the games and were also keen ‘to give it a go’ at the end of the session. The ETTA (English Table Tennis Association) attended one of the sessions and commented that as ‘…residents were able to play from their seats, it meant that they were able to rest and compete for a longer period.’
‘Everyone without exception enjoyed the event. I’ve never seen them so engaged with each other too – there’s a lot of banter, and noise! ’ Robyn Deutsch – Activities Coordinator
‘It’s a miracle game for the elderly!’ said daughter of 97 year old mother with Alzheimer’s ‘I’ve never seen my mother so engaged since she came here 2 years ago… excuse me, watching her is making me cry, I’m so happy for her.’
Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon, puts on a good front.“I have a paddle and I have a paddle case, which makes me look very professional,” she confessed to a crowd at New York’s American Museum of Natural History. “But, in fact, I suck.”Sarandon admits that despite co-owning the table tennis franchise, SPiN, her game is not for show. But according to one New York professor, Sarandon could be doing more than just having a little fun with friends.
“In ping pong, we have enhanced motor functions, enhanced strategy functions and enhanced long-term memory functions,” explained Dr. Wendy Suzuki, professor of neuroscience and psychology at New York University.
According to Suzuki, table tennis works parts of the brain that are responsible for movement, fine motor skills and strategy — areas that could be growing stronger with each match. While scientists have yet to study the brain activity of ping pong players, Suzuki believes the game enhances brain function unlike any other sport.
Table Tennis Is the No. 1 Brain Sport, Scientists Say
Researchers at The American Museum of Natural History invited Sarandon, Suzuki and a panel of table tennis enthusiasts to become part of their latest exhibition, “Brain: The Inside Story. ”
For one night under the iconic blue whale, high above the museum floor, visitors listened to the science behind one of America’s favorite basement pastimes. While the ping pong discussion was limited to one night, the brain exhibition continues through the summer.
“Table tennis is the number one brain sport, so we figured this was a great way to get people interested in the brain because a lot of people play table tennis,” explained Rob DeSalle, curator for the Museum.
Holding a human brain to get players’ attentions, Suzuki pointed out specific areas that are stimulated by playing table tennis.
According to Suzuki, there are three major areas affected by this high-speed game. The fine motor control and exquisite hand-eye coordination involved with dodging and diving for the ball engages and enhances the primary motor cortex and cerebellum, areas responsible for arm and hand movement.
Ping Pong, Like Chess, Involves Strategy
Secondly, by anticipating an opponent’s shot, a player uses the prefrontal cortex for strategic planning. Lastly, the aerobic exercise from the physical activity of the game stimulates the hippocampus, the part of the brain that is responsible for allowing us to form and retain long-term facts and events.
“There’s a lot of strategy and the area that gets enhanced is the prefrontal cortex, critical not only in ping pong, but also in chess,” said Suzuki.
That could explain why fellow panelist, Will Shortz, calls ping pong, “chess on steroids.” Since 1993, Shortz has been the man responsible for deciding just how much strategy is needed to solve crossword puzzles for The New York Times.
A self-confessed table tennis addict and puzzle editor, Shortz says the key to both of his favorite activities is strategy.
“Crosswords and table tennis go great together, they’re both mind sports,” he said.
Last November, 11-year-old Alex Lipan focused all of his attention on that bouncing ball to become the top-ranked table tennis player, for ages 12 and under, in the state of New York.
Copy taken from ABC News
HEALTH BENEFITS
‘Table tennis: anybody, anytime, anywhere’
Throughout the world, people play table tennis for exercise, recreation and social outlet. In fact, it trails only soccer as a participant sport. Little understood and lightly regarded in The United States, table tennis offers several advantages to health as a life sport that have caused it to be embraced by millions of players worldwide.
LITTLE RISK OF INJURY
As a non-contact sport, using a ball that weighs only a few grams, table tennis is practically a risk-free sport. Table tennis players do not run the risk of being struck by lightning, breaking bones, banging heads, concussion, or being mistaken for a deer.
PHYSICAL BENEFITS
Table tennis, when played competitively, has an impressive list of physical benefits, the most obvious of which is eye-hand coordination. The speed, spin and placement of the ball are crucial, and practiced players are expert in both creating and solving puzzles involving these three attributes.
Improved reflexes result because of the fast-paced nature of the sport over very short distances. Both gross and fine muscle movements are improved. The game is distinguished by bursts of exertion and recovery, leading to fast-twitch muscle development. Over the course of play, a fair, yet not extreme, amount of aerobic activity occurs. Players can set their own level of involvement.
MENTAL BENEFITS
Table tennis is accurately described as ‘high-speed chess’. The mental alertness encouraged by the sport’s tactical challenges is particularly good for seniors. The ability to concentrate on applying a tactic is good for all ages. Table tennis is available year-round as a social outlet. It is one of the few sports in which size, age, and sex are irrelevant competitive factors. This aspect has led to it’s adoption as the world’s most popular life sport and the slogan “table tennis: anybody, anytime, anywhere”.
The T3 Foundation host their first fundraising Ping Pong party this Christmas at The Edward Lear on Holloway Road, N7 6LE. The event will be on Tuesday 17th December running from 17:30 – 22:30 with the knockout tournament kicking off at 18:00.
Come along with colleagues, friends and family for an out of the ordinary night of Foundation Ping Pong and festive cheer! Bring your teams of 3 and take part in our knockout tournament. On the night you can expect festive music, ‘everyone’s a winner’ £1 tombola and prizes for our tournament winners. Tickets for this event are priced at £5 and include a night of Ping Pong fun, a welcome drink and a mince pie, on arrival.
Don’t forget, this is all in a good cause.
We are delighted to announce that The Worshipful the Mayor of Islington will be opening the evening along with her consort!
For any further information on the T3 Foundation or our Christmas party please contact Michele:
The T3 Foundation is a UK Social Enterprise. Our primary social purpose, is to bring a world of health, wellbeing and happiness through our unique table tennis, to as many of those around the world living with all stages of Dementia and] Alzheimer’s.
The T3 Foundation Kit is the world’s 1st brain stimulation version of group table tennis, uniquely designed so it is accessible to all, even the frailest and older adults participants can take part and benefit immediately.
Table tennis/ping pong has long been established by scientists as the world’s number 1 brain sport, because it is the only sport that can stimulate up to 5 areas of the brain simultaneously. This makes it a perfect drug free therapy for those living with brain conditions.
Clinical studies since 1997 have shown that people with brain conditions experience a boost in brain function and awareness after just a few minutes of playing table tennis. Regular players enjoy further physical, mental and emotional improvements, including greater long-term capacity for memory, concentration, coordination, cognition, motor function, as well as social engagement.
The key conclusion from all these studies is that table tennis/ping pong can delay and slow down the progression of Dementia and Alzheimer’s.
We have created the unique T3 Foundation Kit through our determination to make a huge positive contribution in the fight against Dementia. Please join us in this important work – ‘United against Dementia, we will Succeed.’
KEEPING THE BRAIN HEALTHY
The World’s Number 1 ‘Brain Sport’ – Table Tennis/Ping Pong
Latest News
Here’s a great opportunity to make a real difference for your local care home.
Covid-19 (Coronavirus)
T3 Foundation Statement
With restrictions easing across the country, we recognise how important this is in regard to restarting activities for your resident’s health and wellbeing.
We are also aware that each care home, nursing home and day care centre is unique, and that you will be tailoring your visiting arrangements according to what is currently possible within your facility.
We are continuing to offer support remotely by way of telephone assistance and virtual session assistance if required by health and well-being coordinators and have resumed our visits in a Covid safe method where permitted.
If you would like to organise a T3 Session, event day or one on one session, do give us a call and we can discuss your requirements.
T3 Foundation was the right choice of table for the homes in terms of size, ease of set up, number of players round the table and storage. It fitted well in all venues.The circular shape meant it could also be used in smaller rooms where for example, traditional rectangular tables would struggle to be accommodated. The physical testing of the ‘seated’ aspect of the game, using standard static care home lounge chairs and wheelchairs worked well with no issues for the players or Activities Coordinators.
T3 Foundation YouTube
T3 Foundation Features on Canadian News
St Anne’s Care Home & the T3 Foundation Kit