Baycrest

BrainMatters • Fall/Winter 2022 • 21 The Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health and Wellness is directed by Dr. Howard Chertkow, Baycrest's Chair in Cognitive Neurology and Innovation and Senior Scientist at Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute (RRI), and Dr. Nicole Anderson, Associate Scientific Director and Senior Scientist at the RRI. It is the flagship of the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging's CANThumbs Up study, a game-changer for preventing age-related dementia. Baycrest is grateful for the generosity, vision and support of the Kimel Family and all the other donors who paved the way for the creation of this remarkable new centre, which will have a profound impact on the brain health of older Canadians. If you would like to express your interest in becoming a member, please complete the form at baycrest.org/Baycrest-Pages/Get-Involved/Participate-in-Research and a member of the Kimel Family Centre team will be in touch. PROMOTING PHYSICAL FITNESS Moving your body through physical activity is an important component of keeping your brain healthy. Research shows that aerobic and resistance training are linked to improved cognition and a lower risk of dementia. Members of the Kimel Family Centre will have access to a variety of physical fitness facilities and programming to transform their aging experience. Designed specifically for older adults, Stan's Gym, located within the centre, is outfitted with advanced exercise equipment that older adults can use with ease and comfort, such as recumbent exercise bicycles, treadmills, medicine balls and more. Stan's Gym will offer opportunities for personal training and drop-in exercise times in the areas of endurance, resistance, stretching and balance. Members will also be able to make use of a room with soft flooring for yoga and floor exercises, as well as a warm-water pool. Warm water is great for circulation and can help soothe achy joints. Members will have access to drop-in swim times as well as programming. FOSTERING CREATIVITY Baycrest supports a holistic vision of health and wellbeing that embraces the arts. Reflecting this vision, the Kimel Family Centre houses a bright and beautiful creative arts studio, where members will have access to a variety of creative arts materials and programming to help them tap into their creative potential. Creative expression is beneficial for brain health in many ways. It helps individuals improve their physical and emotional health, increase feelings of confidence and self-esteem, enrich relationships and strengthen their morale. Dr. Howard Chertkow Dr. Nicole Anderson

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