Bay County Council on Aging preparing classes for its Brain Health Program

BAY COUNTY, FL. ( WMBB ) – The Bay County Council on Aging is preparing for another round of classes for its Brain Health Program. The program started 3 years ago and helps improve memory and cognitive skills in people showing signs of dementia.

Around 7 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. 2,000 of them are in Bay County.
The 6-week Brain Health Program is designed for individuals who have noticed a change in their memory.

People will play games on the smart fit board. Brain Health Program Coordinator Lynn McCrory said participants see immediate results.

“We have seen individuals’ memory improve. We have seen their ability to respond, you know, and it’s not about the fast pace but response with accuracy. That’s what’s really significant. And we but the other thing is we say a level of confidence. We see them regain a level of confidence. We see them want to engage in life again,” McCrory said.

The smart board contains computerized games that associate with matching symbols together with a drumstick. It can be numbers, letters, smiley faces, and more.

Those who participated said this program proved their previous theories wrong.

“I said, I don’t want to take that course, because basically, I thought it was a bunch of fuddy duddies. And I immediately realized this is not a bunch of fuddy duddies. So I took the second class that they had, and I have been volunteering ever since. Everybody has learned. Everyone has improved,” Previous program participant Pat Leeth said.

Cardiologists, nutritionists, neurologists, and other professionals also give tips for building healthy brain routines. That can delay, reduce, or even prevent cognitive decline and memory loss.

“I was so happy to hear that they were starting this program because it’s evidence-based, and people are very confused about what the truth is and what the evidence is for nutrition and being. This is my area of expertise. I was so excited that I could come and help answer everybody’s questions about nutrition,” nutritionist Marcia Pell said.

At the beginning of the 6-week period, clients are tested. Their normal reaction time during games is around 6 seconds. By the end of the class that average reaction time drops to just 1 second.

The Bay County Council on Aging is beginning the next brain health program session on August 20 and it will go through September. The class costs $100.

Also, we want to encourage you to donate to the research and treatment of Alzheimer’s as we search for a cure.

Join us on Sunday, November 3rd at the FSU Panama City campus as we co-sponsor the walk to end Alzheimer’s or click here .

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