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Dear students,
We hope this message finds you well! We would like to share some important information regarding this week’s lesson, which has been designed based on the interests you expressed in last semester's survey.
As we frequently discuss the outcomes of clinical trials in class, this lesson aims to help you better understand how these studies are designed. Please note, our goal is not to encourage participation in clinical trials, but rather to equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Ultimately, the decision to participate in any clinical study is entirely yours.
This Week: Getting Involved in Clinical Trials for Brain Research
This week, we’ll be addressing common misconceptions about clinical trials and highlighting the crucial roles both healthy volunteers and participants with medical conditions play in advancing scientific research. We will also provide examples of current clinical trials taking place in San Diego that are actively recruiting participants.
Last Week: How Stress & Socioeconomic Pressure Impact the Brain
This lesson explores how chronic stress and socioeconomic pressures—like financial strain, unsafe environments, and social isolation—can negatively affect brain health over time. It explains the science of allostatic load, which describes how repeated stress harms memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation. The module also connects these effects to the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), showing how factors like access to care, housing, and support systems shape brain outcomes. Finally, it highlights the risk of financial exploitation in older adults and offers practical strategies to build resilience, plan ahead, and protect cognitive well-being.
Please take a moment to complete this short quiz by clicking the link below. It’s a simple way to reinforce your learning and memory of what we covered last week.
No need to worry about your score—this is just for practice and review! Quiz Link
Thank you for participating and keeping your brain active!
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 our new semester.
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
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