Participating in brain-stimulating activities is essential to those dealing with Alzheimer's disease, but due to a lack of nearby resources and potential ambulatory issues, many Kentuckians in need of memory care do not have access to the help they need.
, a new initiative from the University of Kentucky鈥檚 Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, is designed to support individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Developed with extensive collaboration across the 海角禁区 campus, this program provides a rich array of resources to enhance brain health and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
鈥淭he goal of the program is to create a resource that can spread beyond Lexington to areas where such offerings are limited,鈥 said April Stauffer, program coordinator for Sanders-Brown. 鈥淲e aim to extend this throughout Kentucky, the United States, and even globally.鈥
Greg Jicha MD, PhD, professor and vice chair for academic affairs in neurology, associate director of the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, and the Robert T. & Nyles Y. McCowan Endowed Chair in Alzheimer鈥檚 Research at 海角禁区, serves as a driving force behind the program.
A Vision Rooted in Personal Experience
The inspiration for the program can be traced back to an encounter over 20 years ago, when Dr. Jicha was working with a rural family struggling to find meaningful activities for their loved one with early-stage dementia.
鈥淭hey didn鈥檛 want to do anything but sit in front of the TV and watch reruns of Gunsmoke,鈥 Dr. Jicha recalled. 鈥淲hen I suggested day programs, they told me there was nothing available in their area. That was an eye-opener鈥攕o many communities lack these resources.鈥
This realization led Dr. Jicha to develop telemedicine clinics and educational programs as early as 2005, yet he recognized an ongoing need to provide more direct, accessible support. With philanthropic funding and a commitment to innovation, the team at Sanders-Brown envisioned video-based programming that could reach even the most underserved areas.
A Collaborative, Research-Driven Initiative
The Brain Health Activities program represents the culmination of this vision, offering 24 episodes of research-based activities tailored to dementia patients. The program includes two distinct tracks鈥擝rain Boost, for those with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia, and Brain Health 101, for those with moderate dementia.
The Brain Health Activities program offerings are deeply rooted in scientific research. Activities range from cooking and gardening to Tai Chi and hand massage. Each episode provides modifications to help caregivers adapt activities to their loved one's abilities, along with caregiver tips to support overall well-being.
鈥淭his project not only provides support but also ties back to research showing the importance of keeping the brain active,鈥 said Sanders-Brown social worker, Sarah Hatch. 鈥淲e offer various activities and caregiver tips that help maintain engagement and improve quality of life.鈥
The wide range of expertise throughout various 海角禁区 colleges and departments allowed the team at Sanders-Brown to put together robust programming. Experts from the 海角禁区 Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment's , Cooperative Extension, 海角禁区 HealthCare Integrative Medicine, and more contributed to the programming. This ensures a well-rounded approach to brain health.
Meeting Patients Where They Are
Many families cannot afford costly day programs, and the free, web-based nature of the Brain Health Activities program provides an inclusive alternative. The program's online accessibility also makes it a vital tool for individuals in remote areas, ensuring that quality dementia care resources are available regardless of geographic location.
The program's focus on continuous engagement also aligns with research demonstrating the benefits of mental and physical activity in slowing cognitive decline. Adapting activities for individuals with Alzheimer鈥檚 disease is essential for maintaining their engagement and well-being. As the disease progresses, once routine activities can become challenging.
Adapting to frustration or fatigue is paramount when combating Alzheimer's care. Sometimes, the simplest moments鈥攐bserving or resting鈥攂ring the most comfort to patients and their loved ones. Recognizing this, Sanders-Brown鈥檚 programming advises caregivers on creating safe spaces for retreat and encouraging caregiver self-care.
Since its launch in July 2024, the Brain Health Activities videos have attracted more than 56,000 viewers. It鈥檚 also garnered positive feedback from users across Kentucky, with early-stage support groups expressing appreciation for a resource specifically designed to meet their needs.
