In the year 2012, nearly 9% of Americans age 65 and over were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and by the year 2050, the number of cases is predicted to triple. The Family and Consumer Sciences agents in Kenton County addressed this issue by repeating the 3 – part series, presenting the latest research on nutrition, physical exercise, and mental exercise that might reduce this risk. Attendees were presented an interactive lecture/discussion with through a weekly “lunch and learn” format. This format also allowed for the preparation and tasting of foods that have been found to benefit “brain health”, as well as the demonstration of some new foods and preparation techniques. For the first part on nutrition and healthy eating, the FCS agent used information provided by the UK Cooperative Extension Lesson, “Keys to Embracing Aging”, as well as the Alzheimer’s Association, Tufts University, WebMD, National Institute on Aging, JAMA and the American Institute for Cancer Research


The men and women attending the Spring 2017 session were sent a long term evaluation to follow up on the impact that the program had roughly nine months later. Seventeen evaluations were returned.  94% of all the evaluations indicated the participants had increased mental exercise; and implemented dietary suggestion and increased intentional physical activity.  When asked to identify specific things they have changed since attending the brain health series the following items were listed: Increased activity by 1 hr, 3 times per week water exercises; increased strength training; improved attitude on how important exercise is to their brain; purchased a piano keyboard to resurrect piano lessons; and adding 10 minute walks in the house during the winter.