Stay Sharp: August Updates, Resources, & More

Next week my schedule transitions from two days of summer fun with a 6-year old to tackling some fall projects and events. I will be forever grateful for the ability to flex my time and projects to play, imagine, explore, and more with my favorite little person in the whole wide world. I spent more time in libraries, science centers, and parks and it has been restorative in many ways. Of course, she was my teacher and I wanted to share one lesson from her with all of you...

Below is a photo taken randomly in our garage. I asked Teagan what she was doing. She shared, "I'm giving my brain a BIG hug. I love it!" Kids get it. And she gave her brain an extra long squeezer (aka hug).

Imagine a world when more of us give our brains a big hug and extra love. Oh, the possibilities that kids illuminate. Hopefully this newsletters shares some additional insights for ways you can take care of your brilliant brain, too.

P.S.- If you are looking for a way to start a conversation about brain health with your little ones (ages 5-9) check out our "Kids Book About Brain Health" published by A Kids Co.

?? NEW! Resource

The latest Lancet Commission report 2024 on "Dementia, Prevention, and Care" is now available. It adds the new compelling evidence that untreated vision loss and high LDL cholesterol are risk factors for dementia. Now, a total of 14 different lifestyle factors can account for 45% of global dementia cases. Check out the great infographic from Alzheimer's Research UK for a quick reference.

?? Season 4 of the Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast is Here!

?? Don't miss our previous enlightening conversations that could change the way you think about and manage your brain health!

1. Season 4: Episode 1

?? ?Revolutionizing Alzheimer's & Brain Health Through Lifestyle Medicine with Dr. Dean Ornish, M.D.

2. Season 4: Episode 2

?? BrainWorks: Optimize Your Brain Span with Dr. Madhav Thambisetty MD, PhD of the McKnight Brain Research Foundation

3. Season 4: Episode 3

?? Discover the Brain Science Behind SuperAgers with Cassidy Doyle of University of South Florida - USF CBCS

4. Season 4: Episode 4

?? Spotting the Signs: Early Detection in Cognitive Health with Elli Kaplan , Co-Founder & CEO of Neurotrack

Interested in learning more about the pillars of lifestyle medicine? Listen to our Season 2: Episode 7 conversation“The Nature Prescription: Lifestyle Medicine Insights with Dr. Ourdoors, Melissa Sundermann, MD" or explore the comprehensive resource "The Lifestyle Medicine Toolbox: Mind-Body Approaches for Health Promotion" book by Z. Altug, PT, DPT, MS, DipACLM, OCS, CSCS .

>> LISTEN NOW <<

??Our Neuro Nook (Book Club) turned??1????in August!

It has been a fun year in the Neuro Nook (Book Club) with Heather Elwell of Brain Health Mentors.

What began as a simple "idea" to gather others for conversations about the books we read and their impact on our daily lives...

?? Reached people in 53 countries

?? Had over 800 registrations

? Had 4 brilliant authors join us live

?? Explored 12 books to help us build a better brain

?? And a growing bookshelf for the months ahead.

It has been an incredible experience learning with and from each of our group members.

?? Thanks a myelin to Dr. Michael Rucker, Ph.D., Dr. Kyra Bobinet, MD, MPH, Debbie Hampton, and Dr. Jen Fraser, PhD for sharing their author insights with us.

?? We’re excited to see where the Neuro Nook will go in the next year... stay tuned! Our next virtual meeting dates are September 5, October 3, November 7, and December 5, 2024 from 12:00-12:45 PM EDT.

>> LEARN MORE <<

?? Arts & Aging Day on September 24

Celebrate Arts & Aging Day and Arts in Care Home Day with NAPA National Activity Providers Association with Seiwa Cunningham .

Thanks to Cailey Massey of Artfull Enrichment for offering a FREE "Forget-Me-Nots" drawing program on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 10:30-11:30 AM EDT. All experience levels are welcome!

>> REGISTER NOW <<

?? Join Me: Upcoming Events

I have the wonderful opportunity to contribute to some upcoming events.

• Join me for the 3rd Annual Decoding Dementia Gathering on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, from 12-4pm ET / 9am-1pm PT with some amazing colleagues Dr. Jennifer Carson , Kirsten Jacobs, MSW , Craig Fowler , Jen Wilson , Suellen Beatty , Bryce McBain , Penny Cook by LifeLoop + Linked Senior Charles de Vilmorin and more! NAAP - National Association of Activity Professionals

>> CLICK HERE TO REGISTER <<

• If you are local to Northeast Ohio, LeAnne Stuver and I will be at the "Silly Science Sunday" event on Sunday, September 15, 2024, 11 AM - 4 PM at Wean Park for a festival focused on hands-on, interactive STEM displays, exhibits, and stage shows! Come learn how to "build a better brain & neurons" with us! Admission is Free - no registration required. And a special thanks to my niece, Teagan, for helping me prepare for the event and giving me kid approval.

We have a few additional events this Fall so stay tuned for additional details.

? Book Review

I had an opportunity to write a book review for a colleague and friend, Patricia Faust of My Boomer Brain.

Her book "The Boomer Brain: For Baby Boomers Concerned about Dementia and Alzheimer's" is now available on Amazon.

"Through Patricia Faust's journey of career change and?lived?experience, this book delivers a powerful message: brain health is within reach for everyone. Blending together scientific insights and relatable anecdotes,?Pat empowers readers to embark on their own journey toward a healthier brain. A read that can motivate all of us to take proactive steps in nurturing the health of our brain."?

?? 2024 Brain Day Events from the Virtual Brain Health Center

If you have been unable to join some of our special events, check out our available programs on-demand from Brain Awareness Week and Mental Health Action Day.

Do you have an idea for an event you'd like us to offer? ? [email protected] or message me or LeAnne Stuver on LinkedIn.

?? We are here for you.

?? Next Month's Newsletter

Stay tuned for our news updates this fall and save the date for Brain Week 2025 on March 10-14, 2025. Planning is already in full swing!

If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast- submit your idea for a conversation on the Virtual Brain Health Center 's website or message me on LinkedIn.

>> GUEST SUBMISSION FORM <<