It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of friend, mentor and co-Founder of the BC Brain Wellness Program, Dr. Jack Taunton. The legacy of his work, passion and creativity has left an indelible mark on our country and on all those who had the privilege to meet him. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Cheryl and all his family and friends. Thank you Jack. Forever in our hearts and never forgotten.

Thank you to all our esteemed guests who attended the BC Brain Wellness Program’s 5th Year Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, October 19! On this special occasion, we celebrated the impact and inspiration of the BC Brain Wellness Program as we enter into our fifth year of supporting individuals living with chronic brain conditions, their care partners and healthy agers. Together, we are the future of brain wellness.

The BC Brain Wellness Program (BCBWP) at the University of British Columbia was founded by two physicians in an attempt to extend the usual clinical care from sick care to prevention and empower individuals to take action themselves to improve their health. The physicians’ clinical experience clearly favoured the inclusion of lifestyle interventions such as exercise, healthy nutrition, creative and cognitive activities, stress reduction, mindfulness and social connection into a holistic health care approach.

Mindful breathing can serve as an important tool for mental well-being! 

Studies show that mindful breathing lowers pain scores and stress, because it allows the individual to focus on their bodily sensations, rather than being distracted by pervasive, often negative, thoughts (Sinclair, 2021). 

Over 50 million people worldwide struggle daily with neurodegenerative diseases that cause memory loss, muscle weakness, and cognitive decline. With these numbers expected to double in the next two decades, explain Schependom and D’haeseleer, the struggle is all too real, and traditional treatments often fall short, leaving broader impacts such as anxiety, depression, and diminished quality of life frequently unaddressed. But there’s a new player on the field: improv acting.

The BCBWP Participant Advisory Committee (PAC) is currently recruiting for the 2024/25 term. The PAC aims to provide a participant perspective towards a comprehensive and integrated approach to brain wellness by guiding future BCBWP program delivery, research and education. We encourage all those who are interested to apply!

One of my recent favorite books on this topic is “The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study on Happiness” by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz. The findings of their research indicate that the frequency and the quality of our contact with other people are two major predictors of happiness. But how do we begin to examine our relationships and their role in our happiness?

It is common for individuals to bump their heads occasionally from everyday activities. One may obtain a small bruise and then proceed with their day. However, it is easy to overlook signs of a concussion when symptoms may not appear immediately, creating more damage than the initial incident due to the delay in treatment. 

Art - the expression of imagination and creativity - is universal and immensely impactful. Channeling our thoughts and emotions through art is an accessible, yet effective way to reduce stress, enhance our wellbeing, and provide us with a sense of mastery and accomplishment.

Check out the BC Brain Wellness Program Staff and PAC recommendations for a summer of interesting reads!

As summer approaches, many of us are looking forward to more time outdoors to enjoy the warm weather and sunny days. However, the summer heat also presents various risks to our brain health through prolonged exposure to intense sunlight, high temperatures, and humidity.

On our life-long journeys to leading wholesome and enriching lifestyles, the therapeutic advantages of gardening have emerged as a promising new avenue for older adults to cultivate deep connections with nature, community, and their own sense of wellbeing.

In a world more connected than ever before, loneliness remains a silent epidemic, affecting people across all demographics. As we dive into the complexities of loneliness and social isolation, it becomes important to raise awareness and empower individuals to recognize and address these feelings, fostering a community of support and understanding.

Many individuals experience sleep disruptions that contribute to daytime apprehension, disorientation and distress. Studies report that reduced outdoor exposure to natural light amongst older adults may disrupt sleep cycles. Red light therapy has been proposed as a potential prescription intervention to improve sleep quality and activities of daily living.

Concerning Alzheimer's and Dementia, studies investigating the relationship between diet and health conditions are still advancing, yielding mixed outcomes. The question of whether the impact of nutrition on the brain is independent or linked to other healthy behaviours is still an ongoing debate…

April 16th is Advance Care Planning Day in Canada! Advance Care Planning is a process of: (1) thinking about your values, beliefs, and wishes for future health and personal care, and (2) sharing them with the people you trust. Advance Care Planning can help you get the care that’s right for you, even if you’re unable to speak for yourself.

Advance Care Planning is as easy as Think, Talk, Plan….

Some people experience difficulties with the effectiveness of their medication and are trying out brain stimulation therapy as an alternative method of treatment to alleviate their symptoms. It is often considered when medications do not provide the desired relief and can offer hope for those who have struggled to find effective treatment options.

Advocating for brain wellness requires embracing a comprehensive holistic approach. This enables us to move away from a rigid perspective on cognitive disorders. The following theories provide some fundamental explanations for Alzheimer's disease.

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to overlook the simplest and most natural remedy for our well-being: sunlight. Often taken for granted, the sun offers more than just warmth and light. It plays a vital role in regulating our internal systems, including our cortisol levels and mental health. This article will delve into the importance of sunlight exposure and its profound effects on our bodies and minds.

Since January, UBC Dietetics students have been working with BC Brain Wellness participants individually to support their nutritional goals. In March, we hope to reach a wider audience through a variety of interactive educational events.

Come join us in celebrating Nutrition Month!