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Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryStrengthening Minds and Spirits through WITS Workout



Strengthening Minds and Spirits through WITS Workout

Author: Debra Hixon

Planning Unit: Calloway County CES

Major Program: Aging-General

Plan of Work: Unrelated to a specified County Plan of Work

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Describe the Issue or Situation.  

According to our government, over 7.2 million Americans aged 65+ are living with Alzheimer’s dementia as of 2025, which is nearly 1 in 9 seniors. It is estimated that more than 6 million Americans currently have Alzheimer’s, with projections suggesting this number could rise to nearly 13.8 million by 2060.


Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).  

WITS Workout aligns with proven dementia prevention strategies, by using brain stimulating games, and puzzles the program enhances cognitive reserve, an important protective factor. Also using social engagement, laughter, and group interaction to combat loneliness—a known accelerant of cognitive decline.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.  

By reaching over 20+ seniors at 2 different locations, the WITS Workout is contributing meaningfully to national prevention efforts—providing mental stimulation, early cognitive engagement, and fostering social interaction, all shown to reduce or delay dementia progression. 


Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. 

While Alzheimer’s affects millions nationally, community-level programs like WITS Workout are where impact begins. By engaging 20+ seniors now, the groundwork is set to grow—bringing cognitive resilience and social strength to more seniors county-wide. 






Stories by Debra Hixon


Strengthening Minds and Spirits through WITS Workout

Strengthening Minds and Spirits through WITS Workout

about an hour ago by Debra Hixon

Describe the Issue or Situation. According to our government, over 7.2 million Americans aged 65+ ar... Read More


Global Kitchen Experiences: A Culinary Journey of Culture, Connection, and Confidence

Global Kitchen Experiences: A Culinary Journey of Culture, Connection, and Confidence

about 2 months ago by Debra Hixon

Describe the Issue or Situation. The Global Kitchen Experiences cooking class series brought cultura... Read More


Stories by Calloway County CES


Strengthening Minds and Spirits through WITS Workout

Strengthening Minds and Spirits through WITS Workout

yesterday by Debra Hixon

Describe the Issue or Situation. According to our government, over 7.2 million Americans aged 65+ ar... Read More


Global Kitchen Experiences: A Culinary Journey of Culture, Connection, and Confidence

Global Kitchen Experiences: A Culinary Journey of Culture, Connection, and Confidence

about 2 months ago by Debra Hixon

Describe the Issue or Situation. The Global Kitchen Experiences cooking class series brought cultura... Read More


Stories by Aging-General


Bingocize Woodford County Senior Center 6 Month Evaluation

Bingocize Woodford County Senior Center 6 Month Evaluation

about 5 months ago by Hannah Thornsberry

Bingocize® was created by Dr. Jason Crandall, Co-Director/Co-Founder at the WKU Center for Applied S... Read More


Senior Cooking School

Senior Cooking School

about 6 months ago by Laken Campbell

Describe the Issue or Situation.Many seniors face challenges in cooking for themselves due to physic... Read More