Mitigating Risks of Cognitive Decline: Social Connection and Flavor
Mitigating Risks of Cognitive Decline: Social Connection and Flavor
| Title | Mitigating Risks of Cognitive Decline: Social Connection and Flavor |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, March 23rd, 2023 |
| Time | 4:30 PM-6:00 PM |
| Cost | Free |
| Location | Carriage House at Lee's Farm (134 Boston Post Road, Wayland, MA) |
Please remember from 4:30 - 5:00 appetizers and drinks will be available! And these events are just for SWs, RNs, CMs and GCMs so there is no marketing or networking going on – just a very nice venue for learning!
This presentation aims to provide those entrusted with the care of older people an understanding of a key risk factor for cognitive decline, social isolation, and a key risk factor for malnutrition, the ability to identify and enjoy flavors. Social connection and the enjoyment of flavor share the neural network of pleasure, and this will be discussed. The effects of aging, neurodegenerative disease, and chemotherapy on taste and smell will be explained and research on how to help overcome decrements in flavor perception will be reviewed. Practical solutions will be given to overcome both social isolation and decreases in taste and smell ability.
Objectives: After attending this talk, participants will be able to…
- Describe the effect of social isolation on cognition and the neural mechanisms of connection.
- Examine risk factors for cognitive decline and malnutrition and how they are related.
- Give caregivers practical advice on improving flavor perception for older people and people living with neurodegenerative diseases or going through chemotherapy.
Presenter: Dr. Jennifer Stamps - Director of Clinical Research, Rendever
As a clinical neuroscientist, my role at Rendever, Inc is to lead the NIA/NIH-funded Phase II clinical trial determining the efficacy of Rendever's engagement platform to overcome social isolation and significantly improve overall well-being for both residents at senior living communities and their adult children participating in the study with them from afar. The research team is also developing protocols and securing funding for future studies on our RendeverFit™ VR fitness platform. And we are available to our academic and community partners to assist with protocol development, assessment tools, and identifying funding sources for research projects with any of our products and services to improve the lives of everyone aging out there. Doctor of Philosophy Neuroscience and Clinical & Translational Science (Behavioral Neurology) 2007 - 2014
