We focus on YOU.
Compassionate Neurological Care
Appointments: 336 538 2365
We focus on YOU.
Compassionate Neurological Care
Appointments: 336 538 2365
Alzheimer's Prevention Program
Proactive Approach
Dr. Hemang Shah at Kernodle Clinic Neurology Department offers an Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Program. He wants to practice proactive brain health instead of reactive medicine.
Who may benefit
This program is geared toward highly motivated individuals at risk of developing dementia. E.g., family members of a patient with dementia, individuals with subjective cognitive impairment, and individuals with risk factors for development of dementia. This program is not appropriate for individuals with a current diagnosis of dementia or significant cognitive impairments. A loved one of a patient with dementia can sign up for the program to learn prevention strategies to slow down the decline in the patient, hopefully. You don't have to be a clinic patient of Dr. Shah to participate in this wellness program.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
According to a 2024 report by the Lancet Commission, 45% of dementia are preventable. While you may be well aware of the importance of nutrition, physical activity, and cognitive exercise in maintaining brain health, there are many other less-known modifiable dementia risk factors.
The Alzheimer's Prevention Program will provide research-backed answers to questions surrounding these less commonly discussed factors such as role of ultra-processed foods, intermittent fasting, best diet for brain, supplements, gum/dental health, alcohol consumption, traumatic brain injury, hearing impairment, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, depression, social isolation, and more.
Although you may already know a few steps to improve brain health, the program will provide accountability by offering tools and guidance. We believe in long-term, meaningful lifestyle change over short, drastic, unsustainable fads.
Program
This program will offer monthly in-person and virtual group educational sessions led by Dr. Shah on Alzheimer's disease prevention. Each session will focus on a single pillar of Lifestyle Medicine. Participants will have access to a smartphone App customized by Dr. Shah. The app lets participants access the presentation slides, curated videos, almost daily action items, personalized exercises, nutrition tracking etc.
You will have access to a wellness coach during the meetings and virtually throughout the course.
The program's initial term will be six months, with the option to continue long-term as an alumnus. We offer rolling enrollment, allowing you to join at any time.
We call participants "warriors" as we are fighting the development of Alzheimer's pathology in our brains. We refer to the pillars of lifestyle medicine as weapons. We gather once a month for two hours to discuss them in person or virtually.
Most of our participants are B+ students. We don't let the perfect or best get in the way of good. Remember, something is better than nothing. It is never too late or too early to start a wellness program. Life will be always too busy with something. If you don't find time for wellness, you will have to find time for illness.
Our weapons of discussion will be as follows.
January and July - Nutrition
February and August - Exercise
March and September - Sleep
April and October - Cognitive training/neuroplasticity
May and November - Mental health/stress management
June and December - Social connections.
Feel free to contact our program coordinator, Mistie Nelson, at 336-265-4170 or mybrain@duke.edu
Testimonials
Marilyn Canale
Dr. Mark Crissman
Dr. Mark Crissman
I started art classes in Greensboro six weeks ago because that was the only thing I had not done. I am still losing weight and have just moved from my mother-in-law's suite in the country to an apartment in Burlington. I knew for a while that I needed to move, but didn't have the strength. I resumed working in the nursery at church, having stopped after my stroke.
Since the Alzheimer’s Prevention Program, my life has been different, and Jesus is very happy about that!!! Thank you for all you have done for me at a time such as this!!!!
Dr. Mark Crissman
Dr. Mark Crissman
Dr. Mark Crissman
I joined the program because I needed to avoid a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
I learned many valuable points, some of which stand out are that Alzheimer's is preventable and the role of diet. I eat much healthier now and feel better than before I joined the program. My family has been very pleased that I did this, and I am eating better. I would tell someone who says they don't have time for wellness that they don't have time for sickness either.
I highly recommend this program!
Mark Crissman MD
Larry Crisafulli
Larry Crisafulli
Larry Crisafulli
My membership for the Alzheimer’s Prevention Program (program) was a gift from my family. They made me aware that the program was a proactive approach for brain and physical health.
My graduation recognizes attending the six pillars of the training sessions. The six sessions provided information on beneficial nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, cognitive training, mental health, and social connections. Dialogue with the staff and fellow program members provided discovery to the areas to enhance my mental and physical health.
In addition to the formal training sessions, brain imaging, the wellness program, and internet app communications provided a tailored, customized program to fit my profile.
The Alzheimer’s Prevention Program has improved my mental and physical health.
Marie Crissman
Larry Crisafulli
Larry Crisafulli
Membership Options
New In-person Member
New In-person Member
New In-person Member
Access personalized online wellness coaching, including exercise tips and encouragement, nutrition recommendations, mindfulness techniques, habit management, and more. Enjoy exclusive access to monthly in-person sessions, carefully curated video playlists, and more.
This financial investment in your brain health will incur a $150 monthly subscription fee. This investment may provide you with months or years of a productive and happy life with your loved ones outside of the nursing home or memory care unit.
This program will last six months. You have the option to cancel at any time.
You are welcome to bring a loved one with you to our in-person group sessions. These sessions are held on the 4th Friday of each month, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., in Conference Room A, 2nd floor, Kernodle Clinic, Burlington, NC.
1234 Huffman Mill Rd, Burlington, NC 27215
Feel free to contact our program coordinator, Mistie Nelson, at 336-265-4170 or mybrain@duke.edu
New Virtual Member
New In-person Member
New In-person Member
It provides membership access to personalized online wellness coaching, including exercise tips and encouragement, nutrition recommendations, mindfulness techniques, habit management, and more. Additionally, members will have exclusive access to monthly virtual sessions led by Dr. Hemang Shah, during which he will discuss various topics surrounding Alzheimer's Disease prevention. Membership also provides access to downloadable pamphlets outlining essential issues and access to private and public videos carefully curated by Dr. Shah. You are welcome to bring a loved one with you during our online group sessions.
This financial investment in your brain health will incur a $150 monthly subscription fee. This program will last six months. You have the option to cancel at any time.
You are welcome to bring a loved one with you to our online group sessions. These sessions are held on the 4th Friday of each month, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., over Zoom.
Feel free to contact our program coordinator, Mistie Nelson, at 336-265-4170 or mybrain@duke.edu
Sponsorship
New In-person Member
Sponsorship
Provide the gift of Alzheimer's Prevention for a loved one. Sponsored members receive the same exclusive access offered to members.
This will cost the sponsor $ 100/month.
An enthusiastic individual who recognizes the need for this program can consider sponsoring individuals selected by Dr. Shah who may benefit from these activities but cannot afford them.
Alumni
Sponsorship
We are so glad that you enjoyed the Alzheimer's prevention program. You can continue to enjoy the brain-boosting benefits of this program by joining us as an alumni member. As an alumnus member, you will have access to the EverFit app and in-person/virtual monthly sessions by Dr. Shah. We are constantly updating the app, and the science of Alzheimer's prevention is rapidly evolving. You will NOT have access to a wellness coach. This will cost $60/month. You can cancel this subscription anytime.
You are welcome to bring a loved one with you to our in-person group session. These sessions are held on the 4th Friday of each month, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., in Conference Room A, 2nd floor, Kernodle Clinic, Burlington, NC.
1234 Huffman Mill Rd, Burlington, NC 27215
Small Group Member
Our small group membership is designed for groups of 5 to 50 participants. This is ideal for a group of friends, a small business, a faith community group, or a large family. The monthly membership cost will be $100 for 6 months, per member. The group can be in-person or virtual (online).
Small group participants receive the same benefits as individually signed-up in-person and virtual members. See details above.
Feel free to contact our program coordinator, Mistie Nelson, at 336-265-4170 or mybrain@duke.edu
Enterprise Member
Enterprise membership is designed for groups of 50 or more participants. This is ideal for mid to large businesses. We collaborate with your existing wellness department or HR to tailor a plan specifically for you. Some large companies offer our program as a perk to their executives.
For your custom rate and benefits, reach out to us at mybrain@duke.edu
Am I at risk of developing dementia?
Click on the link below to see if you are at risk of developing dementia.
The Project Big Life Dementia Calculator predicts your five-year risk of being diagnosed with dementia for individuals 55 years of age and older who live in the community (i.e., not in long-term care or retirement home) and who have not already been diagnosed with dementia.
Six Pillars to Building a Healthy Brain
Nutrition
Eating a healthy diet with various green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, and other whole foods is fundamental to brain health and overall wellness. Participants in the Alzheimer's Prevention Program will be provided invaluable nutrition advice and the opportunity to use continuous glucose monitoring to track dietary goals. We will review less commonly discussed topics such as ultra-processed food, intermittent fasting, alcohol consumption, coffee, blueberries, omega-3 fatty acids, amount of saturated fat in coconut oil, sustainability of the keto diet, food fraud, lack of evidence behind popular memory supplements, and more.
Physical Activity
Staying physically active and exercising is essential for brain health and overall wellness. The Alzheimer's Prevention Program will provide practical steps, personalized fitness recommendations, and wellness coaching to help you incorporate stretching, cardio, strength training, balance, yoga, and other activities into your brain health plan. Exploring unique activities such as dance makes physical activity enjoyable and adds a brain-enriching social component to exercise.
Restorative Sleep
High-quality, restorative sleep is vital for memory consolidation and brain detoxification. During the Alzheimer's Prevention Program, participants will be educated on sleep apnea management, sleep hygiene, sleep myths, and the dangers of sleep medications. Other topics we will explore include naps, chronotype, interpreting hypnograms, effects of alcohol and caffeine on sleep, sleep supplements, and more.
Cognitive Training/Neuroplasticity
There are many ways to train our brains, from traditional brain training activities to learning new skills or languages. Through the Alzheimer's Prevention Program, We will provide unique insight and examples to strengthen cognitive reserve. We will discuss adaptive challenging digital brain training software and offer appropriate connections to participants to execute their brain training goals. Just doing crossword puzzles, sudoku, or online solitaire is suboptimal.
Mental Health/Stress Management
Stress, anxiety, and depression can harm brain health and cognitive ability. During the Alzheimer's Prevention Program, patients will be provided invaluable guidance and resources for improving coping skills, mindfulness, and meditation.
Social Connections
Social isolation is equal to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It is important to continue to engage in meaningful relationships throughout your life. Participants in the Alzheimer's Prevention Program will be provided with actionable insights into improving social connections. As well as be provided with examples of volunteer opportunities throughout our community based on individual preferences and abilities.
"Walk To End Alzheimer's" by Alzheimer's Association
About Me
I have been fascinated with the brain/neuroscience since my medical school days. I even had the opportunity to teach the pharmacology of memory medications to second-year medical students in India. In addition, I spent time doing stroke research at UNC Chapel Hill in 2005. My internal medicine/neurology and clinical neurophysiology training in Augusta, GA has equipped me with vast knowledge and skills to care for patients with Alzheimer's. During my neurology practice at Kernodle Clinic, I have acquired many faces with the names of diseases I read in books.
Fighting Alzheimer's: A Personal Journey and Prevention Program
Alzheimer's disease has had a profound personal impact on me, affecting both my patients and my family members. This experience motivated me to adopt lifestyle interventions to combat the disease's progression in my own brain. Now, I share my knowledge and wisdom with others through our wellness program aimed at reducing Alzheimer's risk.
About the Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association® is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Founded in 1980 by a group of family caregivers and individuals interested in research, the Association includes our home office in Chicago, a public policy office in Washington, D.C. and a presence in communities across the country.
Join our walking, Team!
Currently, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, and over 11 million family and friends provide their unpaid care. We need your help to end this devastating disease. Consider joining my team this year: http://act.alz.org/goto/shah
Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024; look out for the 2025 team
Time: Registration at 9 am, Opening Ceremony and Walk at 10 am
Location: Historic Depot, 200 S Main Street Burlington, NC 27215
Route Length: 1 mile