A world class campus for adult brain health opened Thursday and officials hope that it will become a standard people in other parts of the country will use as a pattern.
Officials with Via Cognitive Health (formerly the Jud C. Hickey Center for Alzheimer’s Care on Central Avenue) held a grand opening and ribbon cutting on June 20 at the new location on Washington Road across from California Dreamin’.
When looking for a prototype Janet McKnight, board member and campaign chair, said they called centers across the U.S. as well as Canada.
“Sadly, there were very, very few similar centers for day care for memory loss,” she said.
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The new center features a gym, rooms for art and games, a workshop, a hair salon and computer area as well as a commercial kitchen where two meals a day will be prepared and a conference room for family support and education.
Keeping the brain stimulated plays an important role in treatment.
“Living with a cognitive decline disorder isn’t about counting the days, but it’s about making days count and taking action to live and better tolerate the disease as long as possible,” said Jennifer Pennington, executive director.
She shared stories of clients who’ve participated in classes at Via, and how it’s helped improve their quality of life.
Exercise plays an important role in brain health, but it doesn’t mean running a marathon or bodybuilding.
Pennington spoke of Sarah who began taking aerobics. The movement to music benefited her body and mind.
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“Aerobics was her sanctuary where Alzheimer’s lost its grip if only for a few hours…Exercise isn’t about physical health. It‘s a love letter to our bodies thanking us for carrying us through the storms,” she said.
Also, there’s James, who although the disease has stolen his memories, still creates beautiful artwork, paintings with vibrant colors.
“He leaves a legacy, a testament to resilient creativity and the indomitable human spirit,” she said.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years and is a Georgia Press Association award winner. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
