Early Memory Loss Program Study Continues
10/16/2008
Learn how CAC, in collaboration with four senior centers, has launched a study to examine the impact of participation in a memory club over one year.
With generous support from the Helen Bader Foundation, Tom Fritsch and co-researchers Martha Aslakson (Nursing) and Steve Bernfeld (Counseling Psychology) have begun their study of early memory loss (EML) clubs. Four clubs are participating in the study: two in Wauwatosa (Lutheran Home and Luther Manor); one in Waukeshaw (Lutheran Living Services); and another in Fairfield, CA (The Fairfield Senior Center). Last year, the clubs’ facilitators developed a one-year curriculum to stimulate and exercise the minds of club participants. Social and physical activities were also incorporated into the program. Tom and his team are following participants over the course of one year to see if participation in various components of the program is correlated with changes in their cognition. Said Fritsch, “The underlying idea—based on findings from epidemiological studies—is that we can slow rates of cognitive decline by building up peoples’ cognitive reserve. This reserve could fortify the brain against some of the changes that come with normal aging and diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.�
For information, please contact hleitner@uwm.edu
