Embedded Files
Dear Students,
Thank you for participating in the mid-semester survey. We greatly appreciate your feedback and will use it to enhance the program and plan new lessons for next semester.
Please note that Tuesday is Veterans Day, a day to honor and reflect on the service and sacrifices of our veterans. There will be no classes on Tuesday in observance of the holiday.
Last Week: Parkinson’s Disease – Early Signs, Brain Changes & Treatment
Parkinson’s Disease often starts with subtle non-motor symptoms (sleep issues, mood changes, constipation, mild cognitive or motor changes) before obvious movement problems. It involves dopaminergic neuron loss, Lewy bodies, neurotransmitter imbalances, oxidative stress, and the gut–brain axis, though brain plasticity allows compensation. Treatments include medications (levodopa), surgical options (DBS, focused ultrasound), rehabilitation, and emerging disease-modifying therapies. Lifestyle strategies—exercise, Mediterranean-style nutrition, cognitive training, stress management, sleep hygiene, social engagement, and caregiver support—enhance motor, cognitive, and emotional health. Holistic, integrated care combining medical, lifestyle, cognitive, and social approaches maximizes resilience, autonomy, and quality of life.
This week: Menopause & Brain Health:
This lesson explores the link between hormonal changes during menopause and their impact on the brain. Common experiences like “menopause brain fog”—such as forgetfulness or difficulty finding words—are discussed, along with how menopause-related changes can affect long-term brain health.
Topics Zoom Sessions
Monday, 9:30 - 11:30 AM (Erika Peralta, Instructor)
Tuesday, 10-12 PM (Minoo Pakgohar, Instructor)
Wednesday 9:30 - 11:30 AM (Minoo Pakgohar, Instructor)
Wednesday 6:30 – 8: 30 PM (Charisse Winston, Instructor)
Thursday 10 - 12:00 PM (Charisse Winston, Instructor)
Thursday 1:00 - 3:00 PM (Sharon Gregory, Instructor)
Friday 9:30 - 11:30 AM (Erika Peralta, Instructor)
Special topics (separate registration)
Brain Fitness Lab: Cognitive Wellness Through Hands-On Exercises and Living Stories, Monday 10:00 – 12:00 PM (Yael Lorberfeld, Instructor)
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: Insights and Strategies for Care and Support, Tuesday 1:00 – 3:00 PM (Minoo Pakgohar, instructor)
Diverse Approaches to Brain Health, Tuesday 6:00 - 8:00 PM (Mindy Sloan, Instructor)
Remember, as a Brain Fitness student you are welcome to attend any of the Brain Fitness classes, even more than one a week.
Quick Links (all blue colored & underlined words are live links)
Course website: bfclass.com
BrainHQ site: https://v4.brainhq.com/
Student site with schedule and more: sdcestudent55.com
Site to enroll in classes: myportal.sdccd.edu
Official SDCCE site: sdcce.edu
Enjoy a brain-healthy week! We look forward to seeing you in next week.
Mindy, Yael, Sharon, Erica, Charisse, Desiree & Minoo
Mindy Jo Sloan, Ph.D.
msloan@sdccd.edu
Yael Lorberfeld. MA
Yloberfeld@sdccd.edu
Sharon Gregory
sgregory001@sdccd.edu
Erica Peralta, MS
eperalta@sdccd.edu
Charisse Winston, Ph.D.
Desirree Harguess, DPT
Minoo Pakgohar, Ph.D.
mpakgohar@sdccd.edu
Page updated
Report abuse