In March, more than 80 residents at Emeritus at Ocoee, an assisted living and memory care community in Central Florida, began a new and highly promising research-based Brain Health Lifestyle Program which was designed to not only slow the loss of brain cells due to aging, but also grow new cells.

“is that there is a specific period of development which levels off as people age. Your brain doesn't know how old you are nor does it care”

The program was developed by Emeritus Senior Living's national director of brain health, Dr. Paul Nussbaum, clinical neuropsychologist and author of the books Save Your Brain and Brain Health Lifestyle. The goal of this unique approach is to potentially delay or prevent dementia from occurring.

"A popular misconception of brain development," Nussbaum says, "is that there is a specific period of development which levels off as people age. Your brain doesn't know how old you are nor does it care," he said. "It just wants to be stimulated."

According to recent studies, more than 35 million people worldwide will have dementia within the year. That's why brain health is an extremely hot and timely topic not only in the medical field, but in the mind of Baby Boomers worldwide.

Nussbaum's brain health program methodically and frequently integrates the five components of optimal brain health - physical activity, nutrition, spirituality, socialization and mental stimulation - into an individual's daily activities. Nussbaum sees this integrated approach essential as the population ages.

After only six weeks, the popularity of the program is already evident. "Our residents have shown great interest in the new programs we're offering," says Holly Easterling, executive director. "Computer classes, senior improv, and breathing exercises, are some of the most popular. Several residents are anxious to begin Spanish class, which kicks off in May."

Through a carefully designed schedule, the Emeritus residents are offered three brain-health activities a day, partake in four key areas of brain health at least five times a week, and attend a monthly class on brain health. In addition, the Emeritus staff is also enlisted in adopting this brain health lifestyle. The program is not only effective for seniors, but can be beneficial for any age.

In 2008, a pilot study of Nussbaum's program was initiated at Summerville at Farm Pond in Framingham, Massachusetts. Twelve residents changed their lifestyle to include brain-health classes, brain healthy nutrition, and an integrated schedule of brain healthy activities for 90 days. After a comprehensive evaluation, the program was proven to significantly increase short-term memory in the participants.