Alzheimer's Prevention 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 risk factors such as ultra-processed foods, intermittent fasting, whole food plant-based diet, supplements, gum/dental health, alcohol consumption, education, traumatic brain injury, hearing impairment, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, depression, social isolation, and more.
Even though you may know a few steps to improve brain health, the program will bring accountability by providing tools and guidance. As conventional wisdom suggests, “You can't improve what you don't measure.” During the program, we plan to meet for two hours once a month on a Friday afternoon.
Feel free to contact our program coordinator, Mistie Nelson, at 336-265-4170 or mybrain@duke.edu
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.
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 cost you a $150/month subscription fee. This investment may give you months or years of a productive, happy life with your loved ones outside the nursing home or memory care unit.
This program will last six months. You have an option to cancel anytime.
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.
This financial investment in your brain health will cost you a $150/month subscription fee.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship
Sponsorship
Provide the gift of Alzheimer's Prevention for a loved one who does not live in the same household. Sponsored members receive the same exclusive access offered to members.
This will cost the sponsor $ 100/month.
An enthusiastic individual who sees the need for this program for others can consider sponsoring individuals selected by Dr. Shah who may benefit from activities like this but cannot afford them.
Alumni
Sponsorship
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.
Just so you know, the EverFit app is best used via a mobile phone/tablet. It doesn't work on a computer or through a web browser.
"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