Brain health
At the YMCA, we’re committed to helping you stay sharp by offering engaging programs, expert-led resources, social activities, and tools that support lifelong learning, mental fitness, and overall well-being.
Countdown to 6th Annual Brain Health Symposium
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Explore Programs
HOPE. HEART. PEACE.
The Treasure Valley Family YMCA in partnership with Saint Alphonsus Memory Center is excited to provide once-a-month online (virtual) free educational evidence-based program series targeted to individuals living with dementia and their family members.
Hope:
Healthy Options for Prevention Excellence
Focus is on education about evidence-based dementia risk reduction strategies.
Heart:
Holistic Evidence-based Alzheimer’s and Related dementias Treatment
Focus is on education about obtaining early diagnosis and creating a comprehensive holistic evidence-based care plan for treatment of dementia.
Peace:
Palliative Excellence in Alzheimer’s and related dementias Care Efforts
Focus is on education about palliative care for individuals with dementia that includes approaches to promote safety, delay institutionalization, prevent and reduce agitation and improve end of life care.
Sponsored by:
FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
11:30-12:30PM MST | FREE | ONLINE
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Preventative Health Resources
This series focuses on Improving Health, Reducing Risk of Dementia, Delaying Onset of Dementia and Symptoms and Slowing Progression of Dementia Symptoms.
For more information contact Mary Biddle Newberry at mary.biddle@ymcatvidaho.org.
View past sessions below:
Risk Factor Awareness
What’s one way you’ll keep learning?
Staying in school longer in early life builds cognitive reserve, helping protect the brain later in life. Lifelong learning continues to keep your mind active.
When’s your next hearing check?
Treating hearing loss at any age can help protect brain function, reduce social isolation, and support cognitive health.
How will you prevent or protect against head injury?
Head injuries, especially those causing loss of consciousness, can increase the risk of dementia later in life.
What’s your plan to monitor your blood pressure?
High blood pressure in midlife can damage blood vessels and reduce brain health, raising dementia risk.
Could one less drink be your brain’s best friend?
Excessive alcohol use can damage brain structure and function. Moderation can help protect long-term brain health.
What’s one healthy change you can make this week?
Midlife obesity increases dementia risk through inflammation, insulin resistance, and vascular strain.
What’s your next step toward quitting?
Smoking damages blood vessels and increases oxidative stress, which harms brain health.
Who can you talk to today about your mental health?
Depression can be both a risk factor for dementia and an early symptom. Treating it supports brain and emotional health.
What’s your next step to manage cholesterol?
Managing cholesterol through diet, lifestyle, or medication can help safeguard both heart and brain health.
What’s one way you’ll get moving today?
Regular exercise improves vascular health and reduces inflammation, both of which support brain health.
How can you breathe cleaner today?
Long-term exposure to air pollution increases dementia risk. Choosing cleaner routes and supporting air quality initiatives can help protect brain health.
What’s your next step in managing your blood sugar?
Poor blood sugar control increases risk of both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
When’s the last time you had your eyes checked?
Addressing vision loss with glasses, cataract surgery, or other interventions supports brain health.
Who will you reach out to this week?
Limited social contact may accelerate cognitive decline. Regular connection helps protect memory and thinking skills.