Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #103279

Shelley Bluethmann, MA, Associate Director, Quality Care Initiatives, Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., 17th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601, 312-604-2474, shelley.bluethmann@alz.org

A national survey released by the Alzheimer's Association in 2004 showed that Americans aged 55-64 rank brain and memory health as their second greatest health worry as they age. Yet only half said they were taking steps to care for their brain.

In response to this growing need, the Alzheimer's Association launched a national campaign to challenge Americans to “Maintain Your Brain” in 2004. As part of this public education campaign, the Association worked with a group of scientific and national experts to develop an original curriculum targeting baby boomers with information on this timely topic. The workshop – called Maintain Your Brain: How to live a brain healthy lifestyle – is 60 minutes in length and offers research-based advice to consumers on ways to enhance brain health and vitality. The workshop was officially released in November 2004 as part of National Alzheimer's Disease Month.

Since that time, the Association has launched a series of train the trainer seminars, equipping professional trainers at more than 60 chapters across the United States to present the workshop in their communities. Based on an average audience size of 50 participants, it is expected that up to 12,000 baby boomers will be reached with the workshop in 2005. Early data shows a 97 percent satisfaction rating with the workshop content. Some 93 percent of participants indicated that they learned something new and could apply this information in their daily lives.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe a national educational outreach model focused on brain health
• Identify at least three major areas covered in a brain healthy lifestyle
• List at least three controllable risk factors affecting brain health as we age

Keywords: Health Promotion, Health Education Strategies

Related Web page: www.alz.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation