Tag: Brain Health

This program is being offered over Zoom.

In order to participate, register by clicking the RSVP button above or email programs@smithcenter.org.

Hosted in partnership with Hope Connections

 

with Mara Levy MSOT, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, SEP

Cutting edge research is studying neuro-lymphatics – how the brain’s ability to clear waste affects our thinking, immunity, brain health, and even aging. We’ve known how the lymphatic system clears waste from the body for a long time, but it’s only in the last decade or so that scientists have been able to see how brain waste is removed. With new imaging technology, studies are constantly coming out showing how the system they’re calling the “glymphatic system” is related to conditions from dementia to diabetes.

Brain fog and cognitive function are of particular interest to many cancer survivors, and we’re finding that the glymphatic system is an important factor. Join occupational therapist and certified lymphatic therapist Mara Levy in learning about the glymphatic system – how it works to clear waste and toxins from the brain, and what you can do to support this important system.

About Mara Levy MSOT, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, SEP

Mara Levy MSOT, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, SEP is a certified lymphatic therapist and somatic experiencing practitioner, and blends these areas to provide body-based mental health care and trauma-informed bodywork. They’ve been working with cancer survivors for over a decade. Their approach is neurodiversity affirming, fat positive and HAES-aligned, queer and trans affirming, antiracist, and liberation centered. They offer in-person care in downtown Silver Spring, MD and telehealth in DC, MD, and VA through their private practice Rainbow Spring Wellness at www.rainbowspringwellness.com.

Social media:  @rainbowspringwellness on Tiktok, Facebook, and Instagram

In order to participate, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

with Doreen Bridgman, MS, CCC-SLP-CBHC an Marilyn Abrahamson, MA, CCC-SLP-CBHC 

Cognitive reserve is the term neuroscientists use to describe a person’s ability to maintain normal cognitive functioning even in the presence of brain pathology. Cognitive reserve can be increased throughout one’s lifetime. This presentation will review the lifestyle pillars that increase cognitive reserve.

This 45-minute program is designed to explore the concept of cognitive reserve, which refers to the brain’s resilience and capacity to maintain cognitive functioning despite potential damage or decline. The presentation will delve into how individuals can actively increase their cognitive reserve throughout their lives, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle choices. We will discuss the key Lifestyle Pillars that contribute to building and maintaining cognitive reserve, such as engaging in regular physical exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, pursuing lifelong learning, staying socially connected, and managing stress effectively.

Additionally, the program will provide practical strategies for managing cognitive energy, helping participants to optimize their mental resources and prevent burnout. These strategies include techniques for prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and incorporating mindfulness practices into daily routines. By the end of the session, attendees will have a comprehensive understanding of how to enhance their cognitive reserve and maintain cognitive vitality as they age. An accountability chart will be provided as well as a template to develop Personal Action Plans.

About Doreen Bridgman, MS, CCC-SLP-CBHC

DOREEN BRIDGMAN, MS, CCC-SLP-CBHC is co-owner of BrainThrive Consulting and owner of The Cognitive Coach LLC. Doreen is the co-creator of the Long Live Your Brain Program, an online brain health program to increase cognitive reserve, improve attention and memory and allow people to stay engaged in their daily lives. Visit www.longliveyourbrain.com for more information. Doreen is an Amen Clinics Certified Brain Health Coach and a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. She has spent her career in the field of cognitive rehabilitation working with clients to develop strategies to manage their daily lives and continue to enjoy the activities they enjoy with family and friends.

About Marilyn Abrahamson, MA, CCC-SLP-CBHC 

Marilyn Abrahamson, MA, CCC-SLP-CBHC is a speech-language pathologist and co-owner of BrainThrive Consulting. Along with her business partner, Doreen Bridgman, she is the co-creator of the Long Live Your Brain© program, an online group brain health coaching program for people striving for more reliable memory, attention, and clearer thinking.

Marilyn is also a Brain Health Education Specialist at Ceresti Health, a company that supports, educates, and empowers family caregivers. She designed and created the educational content for Ceresti’s Brain Health Education Portal, is editor-in-chief of Ceresti’s monthly newsletter, and creates and implements all brain health education and coaching programs for Ceresti caregivers and their loved ones. Marilyn lives in New Jersey with her partner, Epi, and enjoys spending time with her grown children and her new granddaughter.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, please register by emailing Stephanie Stern at stephanie@hopeconnectionsforcancer.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Jessica Parker, M.A., CCC-SLP

offered in partnership with:

“Chemo Brain” is a term used to describe difficulties with word-finding and memory, often experienced during and after chemotherapy.

Jessica Parker, M.A., CCC-SLP is a licensed speech-language pathologist. She will discuss the benefits of cognitive rehabilitation, and give you tips for making small changes to your daily routine that will have a big impact on your thinking skills and brain health.