Embedded Files
Hello everyone!
Hope you’re doing well. Last week, we explored how hormonal changes affect the brain, and this week we’ll dive into CBT strategies to support a healthy, resilient mind. Just a heads-up: next week we’ll be on Thanksgiving break, enjoy the holiday and some well-deserved rest!
This Week: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Improve Mental Health
This week’s session explores Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through the lens of modern neuroscience, emphasizing how it supports mental well-being and cognitive vitality in older adults. We will discuss neuroplasticity—the brain’s lifelong capacity to adapt—and how CBT helps identify and reshape unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that may stem from life transitions, health concerns, or worries about the future. Participants will learn practical, brain-based CBT strategies to challenge inaccurate beliefs, build resilience, and foster a healthy, thriving mind.
Last Week: Menopause & Brain Health
Last week we explored how menopause and hormonal aging affect the brain. As estrogen declines, women may experience brain fog, memory issues, mood changes, sleep problems, and hot flashes because estrogen normally fuels the brain, protects neurons, and supports healthy blood flow. This creates a temporary “vulnerability window,” but healthy lifestyle habits—like regular exercise, a nutritious diet, good sleep, stress management, and mental stimulation—can strengthen the brain and ease symptoms. Hormone therapy (HRT) and non-hormonal treatments may also provide relief.
We also discussed that men experience a slower decline in testosterone, which can influence mood, energy, and cognition, though less dramatically than in women.
Overall, long-term brain health is supported by physical activity, balanced nutrition, social engagement, and lifelong learning.
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