Program Overview

Brain-WISE teaches middle-aged and older adults about healthy brain aging. Experts from the Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging Research and the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders at UD lead the sessions. Participants work in groups with speech-language pathologists and graduate students to learn how to keep their brains healthy as they get older.

Goals

• Educate participants on positive changes that are supported by current research
• Create a personalized plan for each participant

Topics

A full list of program topics and links can be found here. Topics include: 

• physical activity
• healthy eating
• hearing health
• memory strategies
• sleep and stress

Structure

Six in-person sessions are offered to groups of 15 to 30 people. It is beneficial for participants to be from the same community, such as a retirement community, church, or senior center, so they can help each other with accountability in their long term plans.

Location

Programs may be held at community centers, senior centers or churches.

Benefits

Around 45% of dementia cases can be delayed or prevented by making lifestyle changes and reducing certain risks. This program offers practical steps participants can start using right away.

Cost

Thanks to generous donations to the Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging Research and support from The Howard W. Swank, Alma K. Swank, and Richard Kemper Swank Foundation, there is no cost to participants of this program.

How to schedule a session

Email Kim Van Buren at: kvan@udel.edu with comments, questions, or for information on bringing Brain-WISE to your community.