For Immediate Release

 

Contact:         Maryjane Briant
                        News and Media Relations Director
                        Galloway, N.J. 08205
                        Maryjane.Briant@stockton.edu
                        (609) 652-4593
                        stockton.edu/media

Galloway, N.J. - Stockton University invites the community to “Journey into the Brain,” on Tuesday, April 11 from 4:30-6:30 p.m., for an evening of presentations highlighting the latest research on brain health in the Campus Center Theatre.

Information sessions will include:

Using Exercise to Build a Healthier Brain

Physical exercise is beneficial to the body as a whole, but did you know exercise benefits the brain as well as your heart? This presentation will dive into how exercise changes the physical brain and improves thinking! This talk will focus on three key aspects: how the brain changes through exercise, how different forms of exercise affects the brain and the amount of exercise needed to see the positive effects. From gentle yoga to intense running and from the smallest cell in the brain to the entire brain, learn just how exercise can improve your mind and change your life.

The Link Between Mood And Brain Health

Older adults is the fastest growing age group in the population! As we age, we can experience changes in mood. This presentation will focus on the changes, both structural and cognitively, that take place in the brain as we get older.  We will also discuss how mood and depression can influence the rate of cognitive decline. Those in attendance will learn how treatment of depression improves mood and thinking, as well as the importance of regular mental health screenings as we get older.

Cognitive Reserve: Training Your Brain to Prevent Decline

Have you ever wondered if the brain has the ability to shield itself from natural aging or disease? Cognitive reserve is the brain's ability to protect the structures most important for strong cognition. Lifestyle factors that build cognitive reserve will be discussed. We will also share the how cognitive reserve changes the physical brain. We will explore activities that you can do now to significantly enhance cognitive reserve. Learn what you can do to build a better brain!

The Impact of Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and High Cholesterol on Brain Health

Did you know that diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol disproportionately affect individuals aged 60 and above? While age is often to blame for impaired cognition, these diseases can also negatively impact brain health, increasing the risk of developing dementia and worsening cognitive decline. Recent research suggests that medical intervention and maintenance of these illnesses can limit many of these effects. Come learn more about how the health of the physical body affects the brain!

Christine A. Gayda-Chelder, an assistant professor of Psychology who is a New Jersey-licensed psychologist with a specialty in clinical neuropsychology, will give the keynote speech at 6 p.m. Her presentation will cover the various medical and neuropsychological techniques used in assessing brain health. She will review strategies for communicating concerns about one’s brain health with medical professionals and discuss resources for obtaining a comprehensive evaluation of cognitive functioning.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration for the information sessions is required and must be received by April 4. To register, visit www.stockton.edu/brainhealth.