In an effort to slow or prevent the development of dementia as a person
ages studies have shown that engaging in intellectual pursuits and expressing
creativity can help. So,Hoag Neurosciences Institute’s Orange County
Vital Brain Aging Program (OCVBAP) is calling on an unlikely ally in the
battle against Alzheimer’s disease: Bugs Bunny.
On Friday, Sept. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m, the OCVBAP and Chuck Jones Center
for Creativity will team up for a fun, family-friendly evening to introduce
creative pursuits and intellectual activity as a way to prevent the development
of dementia as a person ages.
The OCVBAP supports local efforts to help Orange County residents maintain
a healthy brain for life, while the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity
in Costa Mesa strives to inspire the innate creative genius in every one.
“When you activate a brain area, it works like a muscle –
it gets bigger, functions more efficiently. Creative activity activates
more brain areas than just about any other kind of activity and might
help to prevent damage from various diseases like Alzheimer’s,”
saidWilliam R. Shankle, M.S., M.D., F.A.C.P., the Judy & Richard Voltmer
Endowed Chair in Memory and Cognitive Disorders at Hoag. “Chuck
Jones helped create all these iconic characters in our culture: Bugs Bunny,
Wile E. Coyote. Using these characters to educate and inspire people to
be more creative is an exciting exercise.”
The organizations are particularly interested in reaching the “sandwich
generation,” people who don’t normally think about their risk
of dementia or ways they can protect themselves in early adulthood from
the ravages of progressive cognitive disorders.
Dr. Shankle will present information about the importance of keeping the
mind “young” through creative pursuits. Chuck Jones Center
for Creativity representatives will offer participants – including
children – the opportunity to put that creativity to work at various
“creativity stations.” Refreshments will be served.
Hoag Hospital Newport Beach Conference Center, One Hoag Drive, Building
44, in Newport Beach.
Reservations required. To RSVP, call 800-400-HOAG. For more information,
visithoag.org/brainhealth.