Tag: Brain Health

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.