(Atlantic) Dementia is a devastating condition that can wreak havoc on a person’s physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial well-being. But mounting evidence shows making simple lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing dementia up to 70-percent.
The course, “Saving your Brain (and Your Body) lasts ten weeks, is an evidence-based course developed by doctors and offered exclusively through Iowa YMCAs. The goal is to reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias by providing participants with the information, resources, and support needed to adopt positive lifestyle behaviors.
“While there is no cure for dementia, we have a growing body of evidence pointing to the fact that many dementias can be delayed or even prevented,” said Tine Hansen, facilitator of the Saving Your Brain program. “Over the course of 10 weeks, our community-based program will guide participants through a series of programs that will help them identify risk factors, manage chronic diseases and make lifestyle changes that can preserve their memory and cognitive skills.”
With a medically based program offered by Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, Iowa Epidemiologist Emeritus, Dr. Yogesh Shah, a geriatrician and Chief Medical Officer at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines. The program draws on medical research conducted by the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization and other scientific evidence-based research.
Each week, the course focuses on one of the behavioral risk factors associated with dementia:
- Diet and nutrition
- Exercise
- Sleep
- Medication
- Chronic disease management
- Cognitive function
- Socialization
- Water intake
- Hearing
- Handling stress
Participants hear from subject matter experts, set goals for behavior change, and take advantage of one-on-one sessions with dietitians, pharmacists, fitness professionals, and wellness coaches. Two-month membership to the Y is included in the program, and participants who complete the program receive ongoing coaching and support.
Saving Your Brain is designed for people age 55+ who do not have a diagnosis of dementia or significant cognitive decline. Participants should be motivated and can set goals, make behavior changes and participate fully in-class activities. The program is open to both Y members and non-members.
Saving Your Brain is being offered on Monday’s beginning September 13 and ending November 15th. The Pilot Program is limited to 15 people. Sessions will be held at Nishna Valley YMCA. The cost of the program is $50.00. For more information or to register for the program, visit Nishnavalleyymca.com or call 712-243-3934.
