
A system of workbooks built on five key concepts that encompass the whole person.
Research confirms that the following concepts are key to brain health and aging well.
Nutrition ~ Social Connections
Brain Stimulating Activities
Exercise ~Prayer/Meditation
A wide variety of tips and tools are provided as well, all equipping seniors with the help they need to keep their brain healthy and battle age-related diseases that hinder independence.
Age Well With Us
THE BRAINFLEX SYSTEM
There are three categories for which the BrainFlex System is designed.
1. Small Groups:
a. Independent Living
b. Assisted Living
c. Adult Day Programs
d. Senior Centers, Church Groups, Etc.
2. Family or hired caregivers
(working one on one with seniors)
3. Seniors working independently
The BrainFlex System includes three different series' of interactive workbooks, each created for a different cognitive level and all packed with brain stimulating activities that go beyond typical brain games, and is the most comprehensive aging well program available in this format. Each series' consists of 12 workbooks. Every workbook contains 8 lessons and is designed to be completed over a period of one month.
(2 lessons/week)
The three levels in ‘The BrainFlex System’ series of workbooks include:
The ‘Prevention’ Series
The ‘Early~Mild' Series For those in the early stages (MCI)
The 'Mid~Moderate' Series: Those w/Alzheimer's (and related diseases that cause dementia)
About the workbook: Brain Exercise: Use it or lose it! Included in each lessons are 4-5 brain stimulating exercises designed to stimulate various areas of the brain. Activities focus on creativity, problem solving, self-expression, brainstorming, etc., while others require a more structured focus with a more analytical or logical approach. Last, a life-long learning component, (new information), is incorporated into each workbook, which is designed to increase the brain's cognitive reserve.
Socialization: Whether seniors enjoy doing the workbook with others, or alone, our unique 'Discussion Sheets' open the door for conversation at any time. Every lesson includes one BrainFlex “News You Can Use” sheet, focusing on a wide range of important topics, including the ‘why’ behind our BrainFlex concepts. Other topics include mental and emotional self-care, the importance of healthy sleep patterns, the impact of a positive mindset, healthy communication, tips on how to keep your relationships strong, and more! Each 'Discussion Sheet' is designed to inform, educate, and encourage conversation.
Nutrition: You are what you eat! Our goal is to help you to stay mindful of the impact food choices have on the brain and body, as well as one’s over-all well-being, and according to research, the healthier the gut, the healthier the brain. Four recipes are included in each workbook. Recipes are carefully selected for ease of preparation, (no cooking), and enjoyment! Nutritional information in the primary ingredients and the benefits they provide the brain and body, are included with each recipe.
Physical Exercise with Meditation/Prayer:
Physical Exercise: Research tells us that physical activity is THE MOST IMPORTANT way to keep the brain healthy. Each workbook includes a monthly guide with detailed written and visual instructions, covering a variety of stretching and strengthening exercises. The goal of the exercise guide is to increase and/or maintain range of motion, strengthen the core and other vital muscles, increase oxygen flow and heart rate, (safely), and boost coordination, while reinforcing the brain-body connection.
Meditation/Prayer: Research confirms chronic stress ages the brain. It has also been shown that our ‘mindset’ impacts both the brain and body, making thinking and speaking positively vital to ‘aging well’. Each BrainFlex workbook incorporates a variety of techniques, including breathing exercises, designed to keep worry and anxiety away. Workbooks also include an instruction guide for prayer/meditation and a list of self-affirmations are included in each lesson, which should be incorporated into this portion of the program.
Melissa has made it her mission to seek out ways in which seniors can prevent age-related diseases and slow down memory decline. Research continues to confirm that nutrition, brain stimulating activities, social connections, and exercise with meditation/prayer, are the key components in the fight against diseases related to dementia and the cornerstones of the BrainFlex System. This 'whole person approach' to brain health is currently the only one of its kind. We have creatively intertwined these cornerstones principles into every BrainFlex workbook, packing them full of brain stimulating activities and a wide variety of information designed to equip seniors with all they need to age well and prevent, deter or slow cognitive decline.
The curriculum in each series of workbooks has been developed over the past 5 years by BrainFlex Wellness Club in Orlando, FL. Its members, along with their families & doctors, have seen the benefits of the program, and now we're excited to make it available to seniors everywhere in our BrainFlex Workbook. The BrainFlex System includes three different series' of interactive workbooks, each created for a different cognitive level and packed with brain stimulating activities that go beyond typical brain games.
The BrainFlex System of workbooks is the most comprehensive aging well program available in this format.
The three levels in ‘The BrainFlex System’ series of workbooks include:
The Prevention Series, The Early~Mild Series, and The Mid~Moderate Series.
Within each series are 12 interactive workbooks.
The eight lessons within each workbook are designed to be completed in one month.
The BrainFlex workbook is a wonderful tool for senior living communities, hired caregivers, home care agencies, and families caring for loved ones. The interactive approach provides the opportunity for seniors to create deeper connections with family members and friends, while increasing their overall quality of life.
The BrainFlex System includes three different series' of interactive workbooks, each created for a different cognitive level and all packed with brain stimulating activities that go beyond typical brain games, and is the most comprehensive aging well program available in this format. Since 2015, BrainFlex has been offering live sessions with great success and now we are happy to be able to offer the BrainFlex workbooks to seniors everywhere.
The BrainFlex System has been developed for seniors committed to aging well and focuses on ‘the whole person', which includes the brain body, mind, spirit, emotions, and relationships.
According to research, seniors who regularly engage in activities related to the health of these areas maintain their independence longer than seniors who live a more sedentary lifestyle.
Each concept in the BrainFlex System encourages seniors to be proactive against disease by equipping them with the tools needed to age well. these concepts are nutrition, social connections, brain stimulating activities, exercise, and prayer/meditation.
Which series do I need?
The Prevention Series is designed for anyone who wants to be proactive against memory loss and the diseases that can lead to dementia.
The Early~Mild Series is designed for those experiencing mild memory loss, but are determined to do all they can do to slow this process down, as well as for those who may be in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, or one of the other diseases that impact brain function, and would like to maintain their brain and/or slow decline.
The Mid~Moderate Series is designed for those who have Alzheimer's (or one of the other diseases that cause dementia), and is appropriate for those who may have been experiencing dementia for some time but can understand and follow basicdirections with some visual or verbal cuing.
Melissa has a degree in Counseling and attended Southeastern University for her graduate studies in Human Services. She is a Certified Dementia Care Practitioner and a Certified Life Coach, with a focus on 'Resilience Coaching for Seniors’. Melissa is also certified in the areas of Senior Fitness and Nutrition Education. Her experience in the senior health care industry, along with her extensive research in the area of brain health and wellness, makes ‘The BrainFlex System’ a creditable resource for those who are determined to age well.
Rosemary Laird, M.D., is a Geriatrician and recognized expert in diagnosing and caring for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. She served 20 years as the Medical Director for two state-designated Disorder Clinics. Dr. Laird is also a passionate advocate for the support of family caregivers and co-authored the book Take Your Oxygen First: Preserving Your Health and Happiness While Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease.