‘Exercise Your Brain’ classes coming to Community House
If you want to keep your mind fit, exercise it. That advice comes from neuroscientists who study how and why some people live to a ripe old age with little or no cognitive decline. Experts at the UCLA Center on Aging say that mentally stimulating leisure activities lower the risk for Alzheimer’s disease by nearly a third. Classes and workshops to show you how to keep your mind sharp will be offered on Sanibel at the Sanibel Community House, beginning the first week of October.
On Tuesday mornings from 10:30 a.m. until noon, a series of brain fitness classes will be offered, with a different topic each week. The brain function targeted is memory, and the classes are designed for people with normal aging memory issues, not for those already diagnosed with cognitive decline.
On Wednesday afternoons, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., computer-based brain exercise workshops are offered for all cognitive levels, including those with mild cognitive decline. No computer experience is necessary since special touch screens are available all you have to do is point. The programs look like video games and are lots of fun, but they keep those brain cells firing by targeting specific cognitive functions like processing speed, memory, visual-spatial perception and more.
These classes are sponsored by LEAF Ltd., a private foundation, are open to the public, and require no advance registration. Cost is $15 per class. The Sanibel Community House is located at 2173 Periwinkle Way. For additional information, call Lynn Wallen at 247-4277.