Northwest Area Agency First In State To Utilize Innovative Brain Fitness Program

Oct. 11, 2010 - PRLog -- Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas Brings Super Noggin™ Program to 17 Senior Centers

Over the next 18 years the baby boomer tidal wave will reach the shores of retirement.  Add to that the fact that people over 85 are now the fastest-growing segment of the population, and the result is that by 2050, the number of Americans 85 years and older will quadruple.
Total healthcare costs are more than three times higher for people with Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias than for other people age 65 and older, according to the 2010 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures, published by the Alzheimer's Association.
According the Facts and Figures report, in 2006:

•   Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes plus Alzheimer's or another dementia had 64 percent more hospital stays than those with diabetes and no Alzheimer's, and their average per person Medicare costs were $20,655 compared to $12,979 for beneficiaries with diabetes but no Alzheimer's or dementia.

•   Medicare beneficiaries with coronary heart disease and Alzheimer's disease or another dementia had 42 percent more hospital stays than those with coronary heart disease and no Alzheimer's or dementia, and their average per person Medicare costs were $20,780 compared to $14,640 for beneficiaries with coronary heart disease but no Alzheimer's or dementia.

•   With family members providing care at home for about 70 percent of people with Alzheimer's disease, the ripple effects of the disease can be felt throughout the entire family. According to Facts and Figures, in 2008, nearly 10 million Alzheimer caregivers in the U.S. provided 8.5 billion hours of unpaid care valued at $94 billion. In addition to the unpaid care families contribute, the report also reveals that Alzheimer's creates high out-of-pocket health and long-term care expenses for families.

•   Out-of-pocket costs that are not covered by Medicare, Medicaid or other sources of insurance are 28 percent higher for Medicare beneficiaries with Alzheimer's than those without. Individuals with Alzheimer's and other dementia living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities incurred the highest out-of-pocket costs - an average of $16,689 a year.

Growing prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease and dementia

•   There are 5.3 million Americans living with the disease and every 70 seconds someone in America develops Alzheimer's Disease. By mid-century someone will develop Alzheimer's every 33 seconds. By 2050 there will be nearly a million new cases per year.

•   Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the country, surpassing diabetes; it is the fifth leading cause of death among individuals 65 and older.
From 2000 to 2006, while deaths from other major diseases dropped -
> heart disease (-11.5 percent),
> breast cancer (-.6 percent),
> prostate cancer (-14.3 percent) and
> stroke (-18.1 percent) -
deaths from Alzheimer's disease rose 47.1 percent.

Two innovative organizations fight back

The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas (http://www.aaanwar.org/) has made a name for itself by pushing preventive health care, rather than reactive health care. "We know that keeping people active, engaged, and energized is the key to good health. Super Noggin addresses part of the equation that is often overlooked … exercising the brain!" says Nadean Raney, Director of Senior Center Services. "Our team provides so many services including activities and recreational programs through senior activity centers. And now, we've teamed up with the not-for-profit LEAF Ltd. Foundation.  LEAF has developed an innovative new lifestyle program called Super Noggin."

Super Noggin (http://www.supernoggin.org) is a brain fitness program for those who want to stay mentally sharp throughout life.  It is designed to maintain and even improve brain fitness, but following the program also contributes to good physical health - a bonus! It's the first cognitive fitness program to integrate live classes, advice on computer programs, and behavioral changes (like sleep, diet, and stress reduction) to promote brain wellness. For a video introduction to Super Noggin, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81OwqwrQATw



The components of the program promote cognitive challenges, physical exercise, good nutrition, social interaction, stress reduction, and personal reflection.  Super Noggin is compatible with the wellness model of the ICAA (International Council on Active Aging).

"We're honored to be the first Area Agency in Arkansas offering Super Noggin," exclaims Raney.  "We know it will make a huge difference in the quality of the lives of our seniors. Our staff members are the first in the state to be Certified … and now they can lead groups in maximizing their brain fitness throughout the year. That’s exciting! "

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Super Noggin

Super Noggin (www.SuperNoggin.org) is a comprehensive program offering a multi-pronged approach to LEARN & PRACTICE brain-healthy habits & to TRACK progress.
It includes:

• educational and motivational workshops
• brain exercises to stimulate cognitive functions
• a year-long schedule of individual & group activities to keep your brain fit
• individual tracking of progress toward a healthier lifestyle

About The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas (http://www.aaanwar.org/)

The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas assists seniors in northwest Arkansas with adult day care, advocating for those in long term care facilities, helping caregivers caring for elderly & grandparents who are caring for their grandchildren, assessing senior's needs & connecting them with community resources, assisting in the home, providing activities and recreational programs through senior activity centers, affordable senior housing, transportation & more.