LEAP! Booklet

Simple Steps to a Healthier Brain: You have only one brain.

Empower it.

Powered by the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center

Lifestyle Empowerment for Alzheimer’s Prevention (LEAP!) is the innovative KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (KU ADRC) educational program that gives you a head start on improving your brain health and preventing Alzheimer’s disease.

Developed in 2015, the program was created by experts and inspired by over 15 years of research and clinical care.

LEAP! focuses on six lifestyle factors that promote brain health: physical activity, exercise, nutrition, sleep, cognitive and social engagement, and stress and depression management.

Following our simple steps to improve these factors—and setting realistic goals—leads to successful lifestyle habit changes.

These changes will benefit those of you experiencing earlystage Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), too.

Welcome to the start of a new lifestyle that will help you enhance your brain health and reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

You have the power to make an immediate impact in your life, even if you’re already experiencing memory changes, by following the LEAP! program.

We’re often asked, “What can I do now to prevent Alzheimer’s disease?”

LEAP! is our response.

This booklet gives you simple, practical changes you can make today, as well as links to a treasure trove of additional programs and resources.

What exactly do we mean when we say “prevention”?

For those with no memory problems, prevention means reducing the risk or delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s.

For those with memory and cognition changes, prevention means slowing decline and improving quality of life.

Postponing memory changes for five years will cut Alzheimer’s rates by 50%.

Let us guide you on the journey to improve your brain health.

Scan the QR code or visit our resources page at leapbrainpower.com/StartHere to learn more about all of the programs and resources we provide.

The health information offered in this booklet is intended for general knowledge and should not replace a personal consultation with your health care provider. Always consult with your health care provider about any personal health concerns.

leapbrainpower.com/StartHere

KU ADRC | 2025 | Simple Steps to a Healthier Brain

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Before we explore Alzheimer’s prevention, let’s cover some important terminology and symptoms. Understanding these is the FIRST STEP to improving your brain health.

EVERY 65 SECONDS...

SO M EO N E I S D IAG N OS E D WIT H A L ZH EI M E R ’S

Scan the QR code to learn more about dementia and brain health by joining MyAlliance for Brain Health. You’ll receive FREE brain health tips, weekly webinars, brain booster puzzles, care partner support, access to research opportunities, and more.

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You only have one brain. Empower it.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease:

What is dementia?

Dementia is a broad term used to describe the symptoms of a diverse range conditions defined by changes in memory, behavior, and thinking that interfere with typical, daily function.

Signs and symptoms of dementia

Alzheimer’s treatment

— Memory loss associated with everyday tasks

We don’t yet have a cure for Alzheimer’s, but we do have treatments that can improve quality of life and, in some cases, slow the progression of the disease. Talk to your doctor about possible treatments, including both medications and non-medicinal support.

— Executive function changes, including new difficulties with: – Driving – Managing finances – Preparing meals – Operating appliances – Organization and time management — Mid-stage symptoms, including: – Confusion about time or place – Difficulty with problem solving and planning – Poor judgment – Withdrawing from social activities – Changes in mood and personality – Believing others are stealing one’s things – Problems speaking and writing – Difficulty understanding visual images

Brain changes with Alzheimer’s As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, significant structural changes occur in the brain. The tissue atrophies (shrinks), and its quality decreases. Plaques and tangles may form and block signals between cells, killing the cells.

leapbrainpower.com/StartHere

Lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease In addition to medicinal treatments, your lifestyle choices and habits matter, too. Not only can a healthy lifestyle reduce the risk or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s, it may slow progression and improve quality of life for those who have already been diagnosed.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease %

60 – 80%

Other types of dementia include: Dementia with lewy bodies Frontotemporal dementia Vascular dementia Mixed dementia

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As you prepare to LEAP!, let’s start with brain basics. Brain health depends on a variety of factors throughout your lifetime:

Health conditions Certain health conditions also may increase your risk for developing Alzheimer’s, including: — Heart disease — Diabetes

Genes Your DNA holds clues to whether you will get the disease and at what stage in life. While it’s not guaranteed, if your parents or siblings had memory issues or an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, you are more likely to develop the disease, too.

— Sleep apnea — Traumatic brain injury — High blood pressure — Depression or anxiety

Age

Lifestyle

Aging is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, and scientists are trying to figure out why. One in eight people over the age of 65 is diagnosed with the disease.

By 85 years old, one in three individuals will experience Alzheimer’s disease.

You can’t change your genes, but you can change your lifestyle. No matter your age, the choices you make each day have an impact on your brain health. We’ve developed six evidence-based goals to reduce your risk of dementia (or slow its progression). You’ll read all about them in this booklet, which we’ve designed to help you jump-start your brain health.

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You only have one brain. Empower it.

Start your

today

Replacing your habits with healthier ones is challenging at any stage of life, but it can be particularly difficult when you’ve had those habits for decades. Making healthy changes is a process that takes time and strategy. Set goals, find what motivates you, and seek out the support you need. When in doubt, ask yourself,

“What is one small step I can take right now?”

You’ll find several ideas within this booklet.

Make a commitment to change ONE thing today. leapbrainpower.com/StartHere

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For enhancing your brain health:

SIX IMPORTANT GOALS As you begin your journey toward a healthier brain, use these lifestyle goals to ensure success. Start slowly and add more goals as you are able. It will take time, so keep at it until they become routine.

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2

— Reduce or break up your sedentary (sitting) time as much as possible — Find creative ways to get more physical activity throughout the day — Use an activity tracker that alerts you when you’ve been sitting too long

— Aim for 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week — Strive for physical fitness that includes aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility exercises

MOVE MORE

GET FIT

STARCH or FRUIT FAT

VEGETABLES

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EAT HEALTHY — Eat nutrient dense whole foods like fruits and vegetables — Build balanced meals and avoid processed foods and sugar — Choose healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, and fish

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STAY CONNECTED — Maintain meaningful relationships — Get involved in your community — Stimulate yourself intellectually — Keep your mind active with a variety of activities

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PROTEIN

SLEEP WELL — Develop and stick to a routine that promotes refreshing sleep — Avoid stimulating activities at nighttime — Reduce blue light by putting down digital devices at night

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MANAGE STRESS + MENTAL HEALTH — Set boundaries and practice stress management techniques — Seek professional help when you need it

You only have one brain. Empower it.

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Move More

All about physical activity Just by moving around more often, you may substantially reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Physical activity promotes brain oxygenation, lower inflammation, and a healthy weight—all of which protect against dementia. Adding any kind of activity to your lifestyle will make an immediate impact.

Physical activities are the unstructured things you do each day that get you off the couch and on your feet. Examples include walking the dog, playing with grandchildren, cleaning, doing yard work, and stocking shelves at work.

Boosting your daily physical activity:

Sedentary behavior is any waking activity involving sitting or lying down. Watching TV, attending a play or movie, working on the computer, talking on the phone, and eating are sedentary behaviors.

— Improves your balance

Sitting is the new smoking

— Helps manage inflammation

We’ve learned that sedentary behavior can be as hazardous to your health as smoking.

Too much sitting increases the development of many adverse health conditions, including increased blood pressure, obesity, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels.

— Reduces blood glucose

The good news is that simply moving more each day is the best medicine! You can reduce sedentary behavior by not sitting as long at a given time. It’s not the number of times you sit down but how long you spend sitting. When you get up, do at least lightintensity movement, such as light walking, to counteract the negative effects of sitting.

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— Enhances physical fitness and promotes muscular strength — Maintains independence

— Improves HDL cholesterol levels (the good kind) — Reduces depression

— Burns calories and helps maintain a healthy weight

Try this today — Set a timer to remind yourself to get up and move every 30 minutes — Find an activity you enjoy that involves more movement and less sitting — Ask your friends to take a short walking break with you during a social activity involving prolonged sitting, such as playing card games

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Get Fit

Structured Movement for Better Brain Health Exercise is structured movement with the objective of improving or sustaining health and fitness. It requires working and training the heart and muscles in a way that enhances cardiovascular health, bone mass and muscle mass. Doing so helps you maintain a healthy brain, strong heart, physical strength, balance, and coordination.

Four pillars of exercise All four of the LEAP! exercise pillars are important for improving brain health, and we encourage you to include each type in your routine. Some of the activities encompass multiple categories. For example, endurance activities also build strength, and some strength exercises improve balance.

1 Balance exercises improve torso and

lower-body strength and coordination to maintain balance. Examples: – Standing leg raises – Yoga – Tai Chi – and many more!

Aim to do balance exercises every day, but start with whatever frequency feels manageable to you.

Consider using a chair or stable object as you begin balance exercises. Check with your doctor or personal trainer before trying a new exercise routine.

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2 Flexibility (stretching) exercises lengthen tight

muscles, improve joint mobility, and increase range of motion.

The two types are: – ONE Static stretching means holding a stretch (like reaching for your toes) for a set amount of time – TWO Dynamic stretching means taking your muscles and joints through a full range of motion, such as heel-to-toe walks, leg swings, walking lunges, arm circles, knee hugs Aim to stretch each major muscle group a minimum of 2-3 days per week and progressively increase to 5-7 days per/week.

Hold each stretch 10-30 seconds, repeating 2-4 times for each major muscle group.

Remember to complete a warm-up routine, such as light walking, prior to stretching.

3 Aerobic (endurance) exercises work the heart,

lungs, and large muscles to increase oxygen consumption and circulation. Examples: – Floor and step aerobics – Swimming

– Indoor rowing

– Brisk walking

– Elliptical trainer

– Cycling

– Zumba

You only have one brain. Empower it.

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Get Fit

Structured Movement for Better Brain Health CONTINUED Aim to perform moderate intensity aerobic exercises a minimum of 150 minutes per week. That works out to be 30 minutes 5 times a week, with at least 10 minutes of aerobic activity at a time.

4 Strength training exercises

improve muscular strength and coordination. Examples: – Push-ups – Step-ups (stair climbing)

Join our clinical research Thanks to volunteers who participate in research, the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center scientists are trailblazers in the field of exercise medicine. We have a variety of studies that explore how exercise and othery lifestyle factors impact brain health, and you can be a part of the advancement by participating. To learn more about our current studies, call 913-588-0555, option 1.

– Calf raises – Chair sit-to-stand

Try this today

– Resistance band exercises

— Assess your current exercise routine and increase slowly until you reach 150 minutes of aerobic exercise and 2-3 strength training sessions per week. Adding just 10 minutes at a time is a great place to start!

– Resistance training machines – and many, many more!

Aim for 2-3 days of strength training per week, using a variety of exercises that target all major muscle groups. Do 2-3 sets of each exercise and 8-12 repetitions per set.

If you are new to strength exercise, we recommend working with a certified personal trainer or group fitness professional to ensure you are performing each exercise correctly and safely.

These four pillars of exercise not only benefit your physical health, but they may also improve numerous other aspects of your daily life.

Understanding how fitness impacts so many areas of your health may help you see WHY we place so much emphasis on exercise!

leapbrainpower.com/StartHere

— Take the “talk test” to know when you’ve reached a moderate pace.

During moderate intensity exercise, you should be able to talk but not sing.

— Ideas include joining your local Silver Sneakers program, finding a walking buddy in your neighborhood, and contacting your local community or recreation center.

See our full list of exercise resources by scanning the QR code.

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3

Eat Healthy

More Than A Typical “Diet” Your eating habits play a crucial role in nourishing your brain and body every day, and a healthy eating pattern may reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. We recommend the Mediterranean diet.

What is the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet is a traditional eating pattern shaped by the environment and culture of the people surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. It features lifelong healthy eating habits that are nourishing, satisfying, and sustainable.

When it comes to brain health, three key features of the well-researched Mediterranean diet stand out.

This eating pattern is: — Nutrient-dense Rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that promote brain health — Low-glycemic Balanced meals and carbohydrate choices that promote healthy blood sugar levels — Rich in healthy fats Critical good fats, like olive oil, for a healthy brain

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes the daily eating of: — Vegetables and fruits — Whole grains — Lean protein and low-fat dairy — Plenty of fish — Healthy fats like nuts and seeds The benefits of a Mediterranean diet include: — Healthier blood pressure and cholesterol levels and lower risk of heart disease — Less inflammation — Lower risk of cancer — Lower risk of diabetes and healthier weight maintenance — Longer life — Reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease

New to the Mediterranean diet?

Come learn from us.

Our registered dietitians will teach you the basics of the Mediterranean diet via Zoom and give you cooking tips, recipes, and answers to your questions.

We’re saving a (virtual) seat for you!

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You only have one brain. Empower it.

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Eat Healthy

More Than A Typical “Diet” CONTINUED Recommendations for healthy eating As you change your eating pattern, keep these standard recommendations in mind:

STARCH or FRUIT

— Water Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water or half your body weight in ounces each day

FAT

VEGETABLES

— Fruits and vegetables Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to take advantage of a mixture of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients

PROTEIN

— High-fiber whole foods Choose whole foods, such as beans, lentils, fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, and seeds

The LEAP! plate model shows the food types and portions in well-balanced meals and snacks. Filling half your plate with non-starchy veggies ensures your meal is nutrient-dense and proportions are appropriate. Following this model will keep you satisfied and energized longer.

— Balanced meals and snacks Include healthy fat, fiber, and protein in each meal and snack

Try this today

— Small serving size on starchy and sugary foods Eat about ¼ of your plate of starchy foods and less than 1 serving per day of sugary foods

— Alcohol Limit your alcohol intake. Men should not have more than 2 drinks per day, and women should stop at 1 drink per day. Red wine is the better choice.

— One step at a time Make changes gradually

Scan the QR code to see when the next Mediterranean diet class begins and sign up.

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— Choose foods with extra brain-healthy nutrients, like: – Berries – Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage) – Nuts and seeds – Onions, garlic, and leeks – Wild salmon — Follow the LEAP! plate model by filling your plate ½ full of vegetables, ¼ full of a starch or fruit and ¼ full of protein. Don’t forget to add healthy fats like olive oil or nuts!

— Replace sugary and processed foods with whole-food alternatives

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Brain Health Boot Camp

Learn Powerful, Science-Based Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s and Improve Brain Health Want help navigating lifestyle changes?

Join our Brain Health Boot Camp!

Scan the QR code to see our upcoming Brain Health Boot Camp start dates.

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You only have one brain. Empower it.

Our Brain Health Boot Camp jump-starts your journey toward improved brain health with science-backed strategies.

This six-week online course covers the following: MODULE 1

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Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Physical Activity

MODULE 2

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Exercise

MODULE 3

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Getting Started with a Brain-Healthy Diet

MODULE 4

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Nutrient Density, Low-Glycemic Eating and Healthy Fats

MODULE 5

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Social and Cognitive Engagement

MODULE 6

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Sleep Health and Stress Management

Join us for live weekly Zoom classes, Q&A with our experts, and lots of bonus brain health resources — including recipes, videos, and more.

Get started today—even small lifestyle changes make a difference. leapbrainpower.com/StartHere

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4

Sleep Well

Optimize Rest to Recharge Your Brain The importance of sleep cannot be overstated. High-quality sleep is a top priority in establishing a healthier lifestyle because it helps protect your mental health, physical health, and quality of life.

What is high-quality sleep?

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

That amount of time allows your body to alternate between the two critical phases of sleep: Rapid Eye Movement (REM) and Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep.

During the deepest stages of NREM, your body repairs and regrows tissues, builds bone and muscle, and strengthens your immune system.

During REM sleep, the brain transfers shortterm memories into long-term memories.

Chronic sleep loss

Benefits of sleep

— Obesity

— Strengthens the immune system

— Hypertension

— Regulates inflammation — Modulates pain — Enhances cardiovascular health — Creates new brain pathways for learning and processing information — Improves reaction time — Helps maintain balance — Increases learning

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Studies show that chronic sleep loss is associated with the development of chronic conditions, such as: — Diabetes

— Cardiovascular disease — Alzheimer’s disease

Improving sleep hygiene While sleep habits change as you age, there are ways to improve your sleep health. These simple adjustments, known as good sleep hygiene, can have a big impact on your sleep quality: You only have one brain. Empower it.

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Sleep Well

Optimize Rest to Recharge Your Brain CONTINUED — Optimize your circadian rhythm by establishing a consistent bedtime routine – Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day – Use your bed only for sleep – Make your sleeping environment comfortable and relaxing – Develop a relaxing bedtime routine – Avoid screen time (blue light) and bright lights in the evening

— Reduce nighttime stimulation – Avoid moderate-to-vigorous exercise 2-3 hours before bedtime – Do not eat a large meal or spicy food 2-3 hours before going to bed – Avoid caffeinated foods and drinks 4 hours before bedtime – Refrain from drinking alcohol or smoking 3-4 hours before going to bed If you struggle to get good rest even after optimizing your sleep hygiene, please discuss this with your physician.

Try this today — Develop a relaxing bedtime ritual, such as reading a book or completing a deep-breathing exercise — Program your electronics to automatically lower blue-toned light 2 hours before bedtime. Even better, reduce your total screen time at night.

— Choose a light bedtime snack, if you need one, containing protein, high-fiber carbs, and healthy fat instead of a large meal, caffeinated beverages, or alcohol

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5

Stay Connected

Social and Cognitive Engagement Just like your body, your brain needs to stay active to be healthy! People who make time to connect with others (social engagement) or learn new skills (cognitive engagement) generally have a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Social and cognitive engagement are most helpful when paired with the other brain-healthy habits in this booklet. Read on to learn why staying mentally active can boost your brain health.

Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity is the way our brains restructure established connections and form new connections between brain cells.

It continues throughout our life, allowing people of all ages to benefit from activities that enhance their brains.

Cognitive reserve Cognitive reserve ensures our brain can reorganize pathways if something goes wrong, such as a stroke, brain injury, disease, etc. If one pathway between brain cells is damaged, another pathway steps up to compensate. This ability to compensate can help delay the onset of symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease.

Cognitive engagement Scientists believe cognitive engagement plays an important role in preserving brain health through neuroplasticity and cognitive reserve.

They regularly find a relationship between cognitively stimulating activities and reduced 16

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risk of cognitive decline. More research is needed to better understand why it happens, but there are common features among the most beneficial cognitive activities: — Choose activities that challenge your mind; don’t make them too easy — Engage multiple senses — Engage your brain in different ways at the same time — Choose something you enjoy — Try new things — Learn new skills

You only have one brain. Empower it.

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Stay Connected

Social and Cognitive Engagement CONTINUED Social engagement Social engagement and a robust social network are linked with many benefits:

— Find an organization (e.g., a church) where you can stay connected and supported

— Reduced risk for certain medical conditions, such as coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes

— Get involved in a cause or movement to share a common sense of purpose with others

— Reduced risk for mental health issues, such as depression

— Share your experience and talents through mentorship.

Look for mentoring opportunities in your community, such as boys’ and girls’ clubs, or check out the National Mentoring Partnership at mentoring.org.

— Increased opportunities for physical activity — Improved protection against illness because of a boosted immune system — Increased emotional support in times of stress — Reduced risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease Keep your social engagements strong by choosing the connections that are right for you. Some ideas: — Keep in touch with family and friends.

Schedule visits with them regularly.

— Volunteer in your community — Join a group focused on activities you enjoy, such as art, reading, quilting, golf, or another hobby (contact your local library or meetup.com for ideas)

Try this today — Make a list of new skills to try.

Choose one of those skills to get started on today. Practicing and continuing to work on the new skill is beneficial.

— Call or meet a friend or family member in person — Join a committee or club that requires you to make decisions, solve problems, and plan events

— Take a class to learn something new, such as a new language, musical instrument, or type of cooking

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6

Manage Stress + Mental Health

Building Resilience Taking control of stress and depression goes a long way toward reducing your risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Chronic stress leads to psychological, emotional, and physical symptoms that affect your brain’s health. By making simple lifestyle changes and using proven techniques to build stress resilience, you can help your brain stay healthy.

Stress

You’re not alone—everyone experiences stress occasionally, and some of us handle it better than others. It can be acute (lasting minutes to hours) or chronic (lasting several hours a day for weeks or months). Stress is a negative response to an overwhelming situation.

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You only have one brain. Empower it.

Manage Stress + Mental Health

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Building Resilience CONTINUED It’s important to incorporate stress management techniques into your wellness regimen. Not only are these useful tools to use in overwhelming situations, they can also help you build resilience to future stress.

Among the techniques that may help: — Meditation and deep breathing — Exercise and physical activity — Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) — Yoga — Art — Being in nature If stress is creating multiple symptoms and affecting your everyday function, it could damage your body or exacerbate pre-existing conditions. Long-lasting stress creates changes that can lead to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Ask for help when tasks are overwhelming and talk to a trusted individual when there is something bothering you.

The KU ADRC offers support groups for those with multiple types and stages of dementia and their care partners.

Mental Health Conditions Although they are not a normal part of aging, mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety are very common, affecting more than 1 in 5 US adults. These conditions can interfere with your ability to function in and enjoy daily life. Medicine can be an important part of treatment, but it’s not the only effective treatment. Non-medicinal mental health therapies include counseling, changes in exercise and diet, and much more.

If you think you may be struggling with a mental health condition, don’t wait to get help. Talk with your primary care provider if you feel consistently down, anxious, or hopeless. With the right support, you can overcome mental health struggles to live a healthy and happy life.

Try this today — Start a deep-breathing routine. Practice during calm parts of the day so that you’re ready to use the technique when stressed.

— Spend time in nature

See upcoming meetings on our events calendar by scanning the QR code.

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— Schedule an appointment with a professional counselor

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Next Steps It’s never too late to benefit from improving your lifestyle, and in this booklet, we’ve given you the initial steps to modify your habits for a healthier brain.

What’s next? Challenge your brain even more by participating in our other program offerings: — Fill out the following LEAP! Brain Health Checklist — Join one of our courses to access the full library of LEAP! content and get support from the LEAP! team Access these resources and more from the KU ADRC by scanning the QR code.

B RA IN H EA LT H CH ECK LIST Use this checklist as a quick reference for optimal brain health. Don’t know where to start?

Start small! Even seemingly minor changes can make a big difference.

10,000 steps per day 2 minutes of light activity every 30 minutes

START SMALL

GOAL

MOVE MORE Track your current daily steps - increase by 500 -1,000 steps per day Try parking farther away from stores Add 2 minutes every 1 hour

150 minutes per week of moderate intensity aerobic exercise 2-3 days per week of strength training all major muscle groups

START SMALL

GOAL

G E T F IT

Daily balance and stretching exercises

Add 10 minutes 5 days per week - increase gradually Add 1 day per week - increase gradually Add 2-3 days per week - increase gradually

E AT HEALTH Y

Whole grains instead of refined grains (white bread, sugary cereals, etc.) each day

START SMALL

Healthy fats in each meal

Add more of the veggies you already like Use extra virgin olive oil instead of vegetable oil

START SMALL

GOAL

½ plate of vegetables with each meal

Go to bed 15 minutes earlier Try a bedtime relaxation exercise Use ear plugs or a sleeping mask

Eat whole grains 2-3 days per week - increase gradually

GOAL

S LE E P W EL L 7-9 hours of restful sleep per night

Practice a favorite skill or hobby each week

Explore an old passion or new options

Challenge your mind each day

Explore someplace new, a different route, or read up on a topic you like

START SMALL

GOAL

STAY CONNECTED

Explore something new together with current friends

Cultivate positive, meaningful relationships

Take time to rest, build resilience, and find joy in each day Prioritize any mental health concerns and work with your healthcare provider if needed

leapbrainpower.com/StartHere

START SMALL

GOAL

MA N AGE STRESS + MENTAL H EALTH Practice deep breathing for 1 minute Step outside when overwhelmed Meet with your doctor or a mental health pro if you notice symptoms of depression or anxiety

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At the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (KU ADRC), our mission is to improve the diagnosis, care, and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. The KU ADRC is part of a small network of centers designated and funded by the National Institute on Aging and is the only nationally designated center in Kansas and Kansas City. Our research emphasizes mitochondrial genomics, metabolism (energy production), lifestyle, and neuroimaging.

NIH AL ZHEIMER’S DISE A SE RE SE ARCH CENTERS

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Ann Arbor Atlanta Baltimore Birmingham Boston (2) Chicago (2) Cleveland Durham/Chapel Hill Gainesville Indianapolis Irvine Jacksonville Kansas City Las Vegas Lexington Los Angeles Madison Nashville New Haven New York (3) Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh Portland Rochester Sacramento San Antonio San Diego San Francisco Seattle St. Louis Stanford Winston-Salem

You only have one brain. Empower it.

KU ADRC Services: We provide a full range of programs and resources to support you in your brain health journey.

See descriptions below, then connect to each of these resources through the QR code or leapbrainpower.com/StartHere.

KU ADRC Clinical Trials and Research

Expert Clinical Assessment and Care

Help us prevent and find a cure for Alzheimer’s!

Our researchers offer exercise and lifestyle intervention trials, investigational medicine trials, and more. Learn about our current studies by calling 913-588-0555.

Get world-class medical care for individuals with cognitive changes at our Memory Care Clinic. Ask your doctor about a referral.

LEAP! Webinars Our standalone presentations cover cuttingedge brain health topics, like neuroplasticity, supplements, and more! Visit kubrainhealth. org/leap to register for upcoming webinars.

Support Groups Explore our in-person and virtual support groups for those with multiple types and stages of dementia and their care partners.

LEAP! Brain Health Boot Camp Join our science-based online course covering the six fundamentals of a brain-healthy lifestyle.

Each week features live Zoom classes along with videos, readings, and other resources.

LEAP! Mediterranean Diet Course Take our interactive nutrition course taught by registered dietitians. This course is a deep dive into the Mediterranean diet, an eating pattern known to enhance brain health.

Change the future.

Start today.

Join today: Sign up for MyAlliance for Brain Health to stay connected with the KU ADRC. You’ll receive weekly emails and webinars with tips and resources on brain health, caregiving, and more.

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IMAGINE WHAT WE CAN DO TOGETHER Our doctors and researchers work for the day when we can postpone–or prevent–the changes created by Alzheimer’s disease. We firmly believe it is no longer a question of if. It is a matter of when. As we move forward, your contributions help patients and families today, and support progress for tomorrow.

TO MAKE A GIFT V ISIT:

K UEND OW MENT.ORG /A DRC

C ONTAC T: C ELE S TE G REENLEE

Development Director, Neurosciences

9 13 . 5 62 . 2 70 0 C G REENLEE@K UEND OW MENT.ORG

STAY CONNECTED! K UBR A INHE A LTH .ORG

FAC EB O OK .C OM/K UA DRC

@ k ubr ainhealth

UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE RESEARCH CENTER MISSION To improve the lives of patients and families with Alzheimer’s disease by eliminating the disease through its treatment and prevention.

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You only have one brain. Empower it.

Dedicated to the thousands of volunteers who have joined us on the journey to prevent and cure Alzheimer’s disease.

What you do TODAY can change the future for MILLIONS. When it comes to supporting brain health — you have the power to make a difference.

We invite you to join us in the work to prevent cognitive decline.

We encourage you to think beyond current capabilities and see the hope. See the possibilities. Be part of the progress.

Scan the QR code or visit our resources page at leapbrainpower.com/StartHere to learn more about all of the programs and resources we provide.

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