Brain health is the most requested family life Extension program. People don’t often worry about cognition and memory until they age. That is often when people start to worry whether their experiences are typical or of concern.

Brain health programs discuss what could be considered normal cognitive changes regarding recall speed and accuracy, different types of memory, what contributes to cognitive decline, and what we can do across the lifespan to contribute to our brain health. There is also a program on understanding Alzheimer’s and related dementias and how to improve communication when a loved one has a form of dementia. Research has proven, and experience tells us, that cognitive decline, including memory loss and dementia, increases with age. Although some factors that affect brain health cannot be changed, research indicates lifestyle changes, including regular physical activity, staying socially engaged, and a heart-healthy diet, can delay or reduce cognitive decline.

Wits Workout

Drawing from existing research, Illinois Extension family life educators developed Wits Workout, a workshop series designed to enhance brain health among people aged 50 and older. Wits Workout is holistic, addressing multiple factors that affect cognitive health, such as physical activity, stress, sleep, and social isolation. The program can be lay-leader-led, interactive, and experiential.

Each themed session has four activities and a training component that features educational topics:
• eating a heart/brain-healthy diet
• exercising regularly
• engaging the brain with intellectually stimulating challenges
• being socially engaged
• getting enough restful sleep
• managing stress.

The facilitator guide includes 24 units, each accommodating a 60- to 90-minute session. The program is flexible; length can be adjusted; sessions can be offered weekly, biweekly, or monthly; and sessions can stand alone or be presented as a series.

Wits Workout was piloted with more than 1,000 direct contacts in urban and rural communities. Educators made adjustments based on valuable feedback, and the program was published in 2019.

With grant support from the Midwest Roybal Center for Health Promotion and Translation, a multidisciplinary team of researchers is currently implementing a two-arm randomized clinical trial to determine Wits Workout’s feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy. The project started in June 2021 with 216 participants. Eight locations were offered, including Champaign, Franklin Park, Mattoon, Mayslake, St. Joseph, Sterling, and Westchester.

Last year, several brain health programs were held:
• 36 Wits Workout Sessions (Wits Wellness)
• 9 programs on brain health
• 3 programs on Alzheimer’s: Extension has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association for over ten years.
• 1 four-part brain health series
• 4 Wits Workout Train-the-Trainer programs
• 3 professional conference presentations

Brain Health at the Catlin Public Library

Brain health programming was held at the Catlin Public Library. Sessions were held outside in the pavilion to accommodate more than 30 participants. Participants reported an increase in knowledge about brain health.

• 84% of the participants came to three out of four sessions
• More than 50% attended all four sessions

Find out more about Family Life

Want to find out more about what Extension did for our communities last year? Visit our reports page or see our full report.