Did you know that more than 20% of adults over the age of 55 experience depression, anxiety, or cognitive decline as they age? Have you noticed some of these symptoms or memory issues? Well, the good news is that it’s possible to be proactive and change the course of your brain health for the better. Neuroscience offers insight into prioritizing brain wellness to address mood and cognitive changes. To optimize cognitive functioning and mental well-being, we offer courses that focus on sleep, stress management, nutrition, exercise, socialization, and cognitive training.
• Stress Management: Chronic stress can lead to memory difficulties and mood disorders. Stress management techniques can optimize cognitive functioning and mental health.
• Sleep: Better mood and brain health are related to quality sleep and addressing sleep disorders.
• Nutrition: The Mediterranean diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, omega-3 fatty acids, and healthy fats) leads to living longer and healthier lives, along with improving hypertension and diabetes.
• Exercise: Engaging in >150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week increases blood flow to the brain, encourages growth of new neurons, and improves memory. Exercise reduces stress levels and improves mood.
• Socialization: Engagement with friends and families reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness, provides mental stimulation, and reduces the risk of depression and anxiety. Creating and maintaining meaningful connections enhances purpose, resilience, and longevity.
• Cognitive Training: Aging adults benefit from mental exercises that stimulate neural connections and enhance memory. Evidence-based techniques improve attention, memory, executive skills, and language. Customized cognitive training can manage cognitive changes related to normal aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Join Free Workshops in May 2024 | YMCA Santa Monica
The Brain Wellness & Lifestyle Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute provides aging adults with skills to take charge of mental and cognitive health. A free workshop series in May led by our experts and funded by the L.A. County Department of Mental Health, aims to improve mental and cognitive well-being. In-person workshops are at the Santa Monica YMCA (Thursdays May 9, 16, 23, 30 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.) and virtual workshops are on Wednesdays May 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
You can attend any or all events! Please visit clearminds.eventbrite.com for additional information and registration.
By Ryan Glatt, MS, CPT, NBC-HWC, Shannel Kassis Elhelou, PsyD, and Karen Miller, PhD.
• Ryan Glatt, MS, CPT, NBC-HWC, Senior Brain Health Coach & FitBrainSM Director, specializes in personalized interventions supporting individuals to optimize their cognitive health.
• Shannel Kassis Elhelou, PsyD, a geropsychologist and neuropsychologist, delivers lifestyle interventions and memory training to proactively address and prevent cognitive decline.
• Karen Miller, PhD, Senior Director, Brain Wellness & Lifestyle Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute, is a leading national expert in Memory/Cognitive Training. With more than three decades of experience in the field of aging and memory as a geropsychologist and clinical neuropsychologist, she develops and directs the implementation of programs aimed at providing a roadmap to brain wellness.