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Hi everyone,
We wanted to send a quick reminder that registration for Spring Brain Fitness classes is still open. We know the registration process can feel a bit challenging, and we’re here to help. If you don’t know your student email, please contact your instructor for assistance.
If your preferred class shows as full, you may register for any available Brain Fitness class and then join your preferred Zoom section once the semester begins. This helps you secure your spot without needing to wait for a permission number (which will not be available until January 22, 2026).
Spring classes are a great opportunity to stay mentally active, connect with others, and support your brain health. We would love to see you join us this semester!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help with registration.
Last Week: What Skin, Nails & Nutrition Reveal About Brain and Body Health
Skin and nails are living tissues that often show early signs of internal health changes as we age. Changes in their appearance can reflect hydration levels, nutrition, stress, inflammation, circulation, and brain health. Normal aging brings thinning skin, wrinkles, dryness, and nail changes, while unhealthy changes may signal nutrient deficiencies, chronic illness, or disease and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Hydration and nutrition are especially important for older adults, as dehydration and poor diet can affect thinking, balance, skin integrity, and nail growth. Diets rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids support brain function, skin resilience, and healthy aging, while excess sugar and unhealthy fats increase inflammation and cognitive decline. Overall, caring for skin and nails is not cosmetic—it is an important part of supporting brain health, resilience, and overall well-being as we age.
This Week: Caregiving & Cognitive Load – Nurturing Your Brain While Supporting
We will explore caregiving as a deeply meaningful yet mentally demanding role that places significant strain on cognitive, emotional, and physical resources. This lesson examines the concept of cognitive load, the mental effort required to manage caregiving responsibilities—and its profound impact on brain health and quality of care. While caregiving can enhance cognitive flexibility and emotional resilience, unmanaged demands may lead to overload, burnout, and reduced well-being. Through this lesson, we will examine the relationship between cognitive load and caregiving and explore evidence-based strategies to preserve cognitive function, support emotional health, and sustain high-quality care over time.
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.
cwinston@sdccd.edu
Desirree Harguess, DPT
dharguess@sdccd.edu
Minoo Pakgohar, Ph.D.
mpakgohar@sdccd.edu
Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you next week!
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