What can I do to keep my brain as healthy as possible for as long as possible?
Take control of your brain health. Mind Sharpener™ is an evidence-based, award-winning program designed to provide participants with a comprehensive workout to help prevent cognitive loss. It’s designed for individuals who want to exercise their brain to stay sharp.
How It Works:
Sessions take place in-person, in small groups with trained instructors who ensure a comfortable, cooperative learning environment. Each session is comprised of fun and engaging activities designed to stimulate the six major cognitive areas of the brain:
- Reaction Time—Activities targeting speed, accuracy, and automatic responses.
- Visual-Spatial—Activities targeting location, position, composition, perspective, and the participant’s relationship to his or her environment.
- Attention & Concentration—Exercises designed to improve skills in attention and concentration, which can often lead to improved memory.
- Memory—Help participants move information through the memory network from short-term through to long-term.
- Language—Activities designed to decrease the frequency of cognitive pauses and increase flexibility and fluency for improved communication, problem solving and higher order thinking. Includes language fluency, word retrieval, and appropriate usage.
- Problem Solving—More complex activities, requiring the use of the other domains to understand a problem and formulate a solution.
Award-Winning Design:
The Mind Sharpener™ program, developed by the New England Cognitive Center (NECC), has been recognized by the American Society of Aging with the MindAlert award for Mental Fitness Programs. NECC is a non-profit organization located in New London, Connecticut that develops and disseminates innovative, research-based cognitive rehabilitative programs.
Expert Team:
The program will be taught by a team with deep experience in supporting healthy aging and helping older adults maximize their independence, led by Andrea Korsunsky, Director of Care Management at Seniors At Home.
Timing and Program Fee:
A new group will begin on January 7, 2025, meeting in San Mateo on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and will run for 12 weeks. Program fee is $299 for the 24-session series.
If you are interested in participating in an upcoming session, call Andrea Korsunsky, Director of Care Management, at 415‑449‑3712 to schedule a screening call to determine whether this program is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):
- Who is best suited to benefit from this program?
This program is well suited for people who want to take extra steps to keep their brain healthy as they age, and who can make a commitment to fully participate in all sessions during the 12-week program. This program is not for those already diagnosed with dementia or cognitive impairment. - Can I participate remotely by Zoom?
The activities in this program and the course materials are designed to be used in a hands-on setting under the guidance of a trained facilitator. This program is not offered remotely. - Will insurance cover the cost of this program?
No, but when you call for a screening interview please inquire about whether financial assistance may be available. - How do I refer someone to this program?
You can download this pamphlet to share with others. You can also tell people to visit this web page, which they can reach by visiting seniorsathome.org/mind-sharpener. - What time does this meet and what is the address?
Details will be provided to interested participants who call, complete a brief screening interview and are enrolled into the program.