2016 Educational Initiative: "Brain Matters"

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

Baltimore County Department of Aging (BCDA) developed a year-long “Brain Matters” initiative to educate older adults about brain health. A healthy brain increases one’s ability to learn, remember, organize, focus and maintain an active mind. It also impacts movement, balance, coordination, and other body functions. As part of “Brain Matters”, resources and activities were offered to enhance brain function, provide strategies to care for those facing dementia or mental health illnesses, identify possible brain health risk factors, educate individuals on brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and provide information on preventative measures (diet, exercise) to improve the overall quality of life for older adults. The initiative was divided into 4 seasonal segments: Your Body and Your Brain (January–March), Your Emotions and Your Brain (April–June), Your Environment and Your Brain (July–September) and Your Technology and Your Brain (October–December). Within each segment, education was provided on three risk factors which were colorfully described in educational bulletin boards at each of the 20 senior centers. Individuals were offered the opportunity to participate in a range of informative offerings, including lectures, classes, quiz shows, games, speaker series, publications, screenings and a community Expo. Over 500 “Brain Matters” educational sessions were presented to 7,630 older adults in the county's 20 senior centers. A sample of topics included: How Childhood Trauma Affects the Brain, Medication and the Brain, Brain Fitness, Nutrition and Your Brain, 4As of Alzheimer’s, Movie: Still Alice, Brain and Body Workout, Groggy Truth about Substance Abuse, Dementia Caregivers Support Group, Wide Awake Brain: Sleep & Brain Health, Think FAST! Stroke Awareness, How Common Health Problems Affect Your Brain, Brain Boosting Adult Coloring Workshop, 10 Warning Signs of Parkinson's Disease, Vascular Screenings, Technology to Enhance Your Life and PBS: The Brain with David Eagleman. The “Brain Matters” initiative could not have been accomplished without the successful partnerships with County agencies, private companies and non-profits.