Although Alzheimer's is one type of dementia, it is the most common form, and the one that older adult’s worry about. 27,000 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in NH, with 7% aged 45 and older having a risk of cognitive decline according to the NH Alzheimer's Association. 48,000 New Hampshire family caregivers provided 77 million hours of unpaid care in 2023 at $1.5 billion. Sixty-six percent of caregivers reported having at least one chronic health condition and 28.4% reported depression.1New Hampshire (NH) ranks as the second highest median age in the nation (after Maine), with approximately 20% of the population over the age of 65. NH is experiencing a rapid increase in the number of older adults, expected to double over the next 20 years.2
Boost your Brain and Memory was developed by Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging. This evidence-based program is designed to help participants learn and practice the most promising strategies for keeping brains healthy as adults age. This program uses a unique, whole-person approach to brain fitness, providing healthy practices to help individuals remember things better, be more organized, pay closer attention, and reduce stress to lessen the risk of dementia.
This course focuses on 6 dimensions of wellness (physical activity, emotional wellness, intellectual activity, nutritional wellness, spiritual activity and social wellness). The multi-faceted brain health program goes beyond simple brain games focusing on lifestyle factors that impact brain health, and practicing memory strategies that participants can implement in their daily lives. Our objectives are to help participants implement new habits to maintain cognitive health while also practicing new skills for better memory performance and lowering risk towards dementia.
Three presentation formats are offered across the state:
- Virtual Watch Parties
- In-person
- Online Self-Study Course
Virtual Watch parties are classes held at a physical location with participants trained facilitators while co-instructors Michele Kroll, Ph.D. and Becky Betts teach virtually. This format has led to increased social connection thru learning and sharing life experiences.
Participants Adoption and Behavior Changes:
- 86% reported they adopted new brain healthy behaviors.
- 79% increased connectedness through social engagement and a sense of belonging.
- 82% increased intellectual activity.
- 80% took additional steps to reduce stress.
- 89% increased the amount of time being physically active.
- 92% reported being more optimistic about maintaining memory as they age.
- 95% increased eating brain healthy foods.
References:
- https://www.alz.org/professionals/public-health/state-overview/new-hampshire Accessed 41425.
- John W McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies. Healthy Aging Data Report, NH. 2019. NH Healthy Aging Data Report Accessed 01/15/2023.
- Brain Health and Alzheimer’s Research Accessed 5/10/2023.
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