Last fall, Greene County public health launched their first 10-week Unlocking Brain Fitness: Keys to Dementia Prevention course. Now, nearly a year later, there are still many area residents interested in learning more about how they can reduce their risk of dementia by up to 70 percent.
“There is no cure for dementia, but there are ways we can introduce positive lifestyle changes to help reduce our risk,” says public health director Becky Wolf. “We are able to offer the KEYS program several times a year, thanks to a partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association and the YMCA of Greater Des Moines. Our goal is to provide the education and resources needed for people to work on their brain fitness.”
Each of the 10-week sessions has a special focus. Attendees learn about how diet, exercise, sleep, chronic diseases, medications, water intake, stress, hearing and socialization impact brain health. Public health staff and other local experts offer one-on-one classroom interaction and instruction on how best to maintain memory and cognitive function.
The next Unlocking Brain Fitness: Keys to Dementia Prevention course will be held in the Greene County Medical Center education center on Tuesdays, Sept. 12 through Nov. 14, from 3:30 to 5:30 pm.
Persons who want more information or to register can contact Greene County public health at 515-386-3228.
