Brain Health Program
45% of dementia cases can be preventable, according to the Lancet Commission, 2024 report. Alzheimer's pathology in the brain starts 20-25 years before the onset of symptoms. We believe this provides a tremendous opportunity to intervene.
Dr. Hemang Shah leads a comprehensive Brain Health Program, featuring monthly in-person and virtual group interactive educational sessions centered on key pillars of Lifestyle Medicine. Enrolled participants gain access to a customized smartphone application.
The program utilizes a proactive "warrior" mindset, viewing Lifestyle Medicine pillars as "weapons" in the fight against Alzheimer's. The program recognizes that consistency outweighs perfection and encourages sustainable, meaningful engagement in healthy behaviors.
Monthly topics include Nutrition (January/July), Exercise (February/August), Restorative Sleep (March/September), Cognitive Training/Neuroplasticity (April/October), Mental Health/Stress Management (May/November), and Social Connections (June/December).
For enrollment inquiries, please don't hesitate to contact our Program Coordinator at mybrain@duke.edu.
Membership Options
New Member (In-Person + Virtual)
The New Member subscription includes monthly group sessions focused on the individual pillar of lifestyle medicine, as well as our robust app.
For an investment of $2/daily (billed as $60/month). You are welcome to bring a loved one to the sessions. Two individuals benefit from a single membership price. We offer you a complimentary 1st session and 30 days of access to the app.
Access:
- Monthly Group Sessions (led by Dr. Hemang Shah and a wellness coach)
- Customized Smartphone Application (EverFit)
- Presentation Materials and Videos
- Curated Resources and videos
- Daily Action Prompts
- Personalized Activity and Nutrition Tracking
We believe it takes different amounts of time for people to make meaningful, sustainable change, so you can continue our program as long as you wish. You have the option to cancel at any time. You can use HSA/FSA funds for this program.
Group sessions are typically held on the 4th Friday of each month at the Kernodle Clinic in Burlington, NC, and virtually. It's OK if you skip a session; you will still have access to videos and presentations through the app. You can switch between virtual and in-person sessions.
For inquiries, contact the Program Coordinator at mybrain@duke.edu.
Self-paced/DIY membership
This DIY membership is ideal for individuals who can't commit to a specific time and place for the sessions. You gain access to all the program's resources and features through the app mentioned in the regular membership. This option was initially created for our international audience, but is now available to our US participants.
For an investment of $1/daily (billed as $30/month). We give you 14 days of complimentary access to the app.
You do not have the opportunity to interact with
Dr. Shah and the wellness coach.
We believe it takes different amounts of time for people to make meaningful, sustainable change, so you can continue our program as long as you wish. You have the option to cancel at any time. You can use HSA/FSA funds for this program.
For inquiries, contact the Program Coordinator at mybrain@duke.edu.
Sponsorship
Small Group Member
Your sponsorship provides you and two other individuals with access to our program. Sponsored members receive the same exclusive access offered to regular members.
For a generous contribution of $100/month, you can sponsor specific individuals that you select or individuals selected by Dr. Shah and his team who may benefit from these activities but cannot afford them. We are a for-profit organization, and your contributions to our program are not tax-deductible.
You can cancel at any time. If you prefer a one-time larger amount, reach out to us at mybrain@duke.edu.
Small Group Member
Small Group Member
The Small Group Member subscription is designed for groups of 10 to 50 participants. This is ideal for an upscale retirement community, a group of friends, a small business, a faith community group, or a large family.
The monthly membership cost will be $60 per month, per member. Dr. Shah will come to you in person (if you are in the central NC area) or virtually (online).
Small group participants receive the same benefits as individually signed-up members. See details above.
For inquiries, contact the Program Coordinator at mybrain@duke.edu.
Enterprise Member
Enterprise Member
The Enterprise Member subscription 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 inquiries, custom rates, or benefits, contact the Program Coordinator at mybrain@duke.edu.
Free Membership
Enterprise Member
This membership is need-based. Dr. Shah believes in equitable access to preventive brain health for all. We trust people; we work on an honor system. We will not verify your capacity to purchase a membership. If you have a home, a car, and have eaten at a restaurant in the last month, you likely can afford other membership options.
First, try to see if someone can sponsor you. If you can't find anyone, reach out to us at mybrain@duke.edu, and we will provide you with membership in our program. We may not be able to provide this benefit to everyone who contacts us. We will not be able to provide tech support for free membership.
Individuals from resource-poor countries are commonly eligible for this membership type. Note: our material is customized for the North American audience.
Testimonials
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
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!!!!
Larry Crisafulli
Dr. Mark Crissman
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
Dr. Wally Kernodle, MD
Dr. Wally Kernodle, MD
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 Brain Health Program will be provided with invaluable nutrition advice and the opportunity to use continuous glucose monitoring to track dietary goals. We will review less commonly discussed topics, including ultra-processed foods, intermittent fasting and timing of food consumption, gut microbiome, mindful eating, alcohol consumption, coffee, blueberries, omega-3 fatty acids, the saturated fat content of coconut oil, the sustainability of the keto diet, food fraud, the lack of evidence for popular memory supplements, and more.
Physical Activity
Staying physically active and exercising is essential for brain health and overall wellness. The Brain Health Program will provide practical steps, fitness recommendations to help you incorporate stretching, ways ot avoid sedentary behavior, endurance training, strength training, balance, yoga, and other activities into your brain health plan. Exploring unique activities such as sports and 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 Brain Health Program, participants will be educated on sleep hygiene, sleep myths, sleep apnea management, 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, CBTi (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia), 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 Brain Health Program, we will provide unique insight and examples to strengthen cognitive reserve. We will discuss adaptive, challenging digital brain training software and provide appropriate connections for participants to achieve 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 Brain Health Program, patients will be provided invaluable guidance and resources for improving coping skills, mindfulness, and meditation.
Social Connections
"In our quest for being independent, we have become lonely." 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 Brain Health Program will be provided with actionable insights into improving social connections. As well as being provided with examples of volunteer opportunities and ways of improving social connectedness.
Walk to End Alzheimer's
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 26, 2026
Time: Registration at 9 am, Team picture at 9:30 am, Opening Ceremony and Walk at 10 am
Location: Burlington Athletic Stadium, 1450 Graham St, Burlington, NC 27217
Route Length: 1 mile