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 early-stage 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. 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. / 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.
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...
SOMEONE IS DIAGNOSED WITH ALZHEIMER’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.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a broad term used to describe the symptoms of a diverse range of conditions defined by changes in memory, behavior, and thinking that interfere with typical, daily function.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEMENTIA
Memory loss associated with everyday tasks
— 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.
ALZHEIMER’S TREATMENT
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.
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
As you prepare to LEAP!, let’s start with brain basics. Brain health depends on a variety of factors throughout your lifetime:
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.
AGE
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.
HEALTH CONDITIONS
Certain health conditions also may increase your risk for developing Alzheimer’s, including:
— Heart disease
Diabetes
Sleep apnea
Traumatic brain injury
High blood pressure
— Depression or anxiety
LIFESTYLE
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.
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.
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.
1
Move More
— 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
2
Get Fit
— Aim for 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week
— Strive for physical fitness that includes aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility exercises
3
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
5
Stay Connected
— Maintain meaningful relationships
— Get involved in your community
— Stimulate yourself intellectually
— Keep your mind active with a variety of activities
Sleep Well 4
— 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
6
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.
1
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.
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.
SITTING IS THE NEW SMOKING
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.
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 light-intensity movement, such as light walking, to counteract the negative effects of sitting.
Boosting your daily physical activity:
— Enhances physical fitness and promotes muscular strength
Maintains independence
Improves your balance
Improves HDL cholesterol levels (the good kind)
Reduces depression
Helps manage inflammation
Reduces blood glucose
— 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
2 Structured Movement for Better Brain Health Get Fit
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.
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
2
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)
– Calf raises
– Chair sit-to-stand
– Resistance band exercises
– 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!
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 ongoing studies that explore how exercise impacts brain health, and you can be a part of the advancement by participating. To learn more about our current exercise studies, call 913-588-0555, option 1.
TRY THIS TODAY
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!
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.
/ See our full list of exercise resources by scanning the QR code.
— Ideas include joining your local Silver Sneakers program, finding a walking buddy in your neighborhood, and contacting your local community or recreation center.
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!
Eat Healthy
More Than A Typical “Diet” CONTINUED
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HEALTHY EATING
As you change your eating pattern, keep these standard recommendations in mind:
— Water Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water or half your body weight in ounces each day
Fruits and vegetables Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to take advantage of a mixture of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients
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
High-fiber whole foods Choose whole foods, such as beans, lentils, fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, and seeds
Balanced meals and snacks Include healthy fat, fiber, and protein in each meal and snack
— 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.
/ 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.
TRY THIS
TODAY
— Choose foods with extra brain-healthy nutrients, like:
— 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
Brain Health Boot Camp
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 / Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Physical Activity
MODULE 2 / Exercise
MODULE 3 / Getting Started with a Brain-Healthy Diet
MODULE 4 / Nutrient Density, Low-Glycemic Eating and Healthy Fats
MODULE 5 / Social and Cognitive Engagement
MODULE 6 / 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.
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 short-term memories into long-term memories.
BENEFITS OF SLEEP
Strengthens the immune system
Regulates inflammation
Modulates pain
Enhances cardiovascular health
Creates new brain pathways for learning and processing information
Improves reaction time
Helps maintain balance
Increases learning
4 Sleep Well
Optimize Rest to Recharge Your Brain
CHRONIC SLEEP LOSS
Studies show that chronic sleep loss is associated with the development of chronic conditions, such as:
Diabetes
Obesity
Hypertension
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:
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
CONTINUED
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
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 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.
5 Stay Connected
Social and Cognitive Engagement CONTINUED
SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT
Social engagement and a robust social network are linked with many benefits:
Reduced risk for certain medical conditions, such as coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes
Reduced risk for mental health issues, such as depression
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)
Take a class to learn something new, such as a new language, musical instrument, or type of cooking
Find an organization (e.g., a church) where you can stay connected and supported
Get involved in a cause or movement to share a common sense of purpose with others
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.
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
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.
Manage Stress + Mental Health
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.
/ See upcoming meetings on our events calendar by scanning the QR code.
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
Schedule an appointment with a professional counselor
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.
BRAIN HEALTH CHECKLIST
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.
MOVE MORE
10,000 steps per day
2 minutes of light activity every 30 minutes
GET FIT
150 minutes per week of moderate intensity aerobic exercise
2-3 days per week of strength training all major muscle groups
Daily balance and stretching exercises
EAT HEALTHY
½ plate of vegetables with each meal
Healthy fats in each meal
Whole grains instead of refined grains (white bread, sugary cereals, etc.) each day
SLEEP WELL
7-9 hours of restful sleep per night
STAY CONNECTED
Practice a favorite skill or hobby each week
Challenge your mind each day
Cultivate positive, meaningful relationships
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
Add 10 minutes 5 days per week / increase gradually
Add 1 day per week / increase gradually
Add 2-3 days per week / increase gradually
Add more of the veggies you already like
Use extra virgin olive oil instead of vegetable oil
Eat whole grains 2-3 days per week / increase gradually
Go to bed 15 minutes earlier
Try a bedtime relaxation exercise
Use ear plugs or a sleeping mask
Explore an old passion or new options
Explore someplace new, a different route, or read up on a topic you like
Explore something new together with current friends MANAGE
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
Practice deep breathing for 1 minute
Step outside when overwhelmed
Schedule an appointment with your doctor or a mental health professional if you notice symptoms of depression or anxiety
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.
Ann
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
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.
LEAP! WEBINARS
Our standalone presentations cover cutting-edge 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.
EXPERT CLINICAL ASSESSMENT AND CARE
Get world-class medical care for individuals with cognitive changes at our Memory Care Clinic. Ask your doctor about a referral.
LEAP! BRAIN HEALTH BOOT CAMP
Join our science-based online course covering the six fundamentals of a brainhealthy 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.
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.
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.
UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS ALZHEIMER’S
To improve the lives of patients and families with Alzheimer’s disease by eliminating the disease through its treatment and prevention.
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.