Healthy Brain Conference 2021

By Lesley Johnson

“The human brain has 100 billion neurons, each neuron connected to 10 thousand other neurons. Sitting on your shoulders is the most complicated object in the known universe.” Michio Kaku, American physicist

Interested in helping to keep your “most complicated object” functioning at its best? Brain health is governed by many obvious internal physical factors, but also factors such as anxiety, fear, depression, and worry—as well as outside forces that include sickness, hardship, and loss. Research shows what we do every day may have the biggest impact on brain health. From what we eat and drink, to how much we exercise, our lifestyle has a profound effect on the health of our brain.

Missed the live event? Watch it On Demand!
Did you miss the live presentation of the Healthy Brain 2021 Conference presented by AARP Oregon and Center 50+? You can still get the tips, tools and up-to-date information about maintaining brain health.

Meeting Recording: https://aarp-org.zoom.us/rec/share/K1bVUl7J0Tq5P408OUJfq-sYcx-DsbLo1RqIBr1MM7VQPkp2oKVcIX53_Wz4j3HV.ypkfY3Pl-OUrwMiT
Access Passcode: Brain2021!


The topics include:

• Balance and the Brain
• With Music in Mind: Understanding the Benefits of Music of the Brain
• Diet Can Reduce Alzheimer’s Disease Rise
• Signs & Behaviors of Early Alzheimer’s

The presenters:

Amy Schepers, PT, DPT, a physical therapist who specializes in treating older adults with neurologic and balance dysfunction at Northwest Rehab Associates in Salem, OR. She completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Duke University and a postgraduate neurologic residency at the University of Utah.

Melissa Potts, MTBC, a licensed and board certified music therapist holds a Master's degree in Music Education from Willamette University and a Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy from Marylhurst University. She is the owner of Willamette Music Therapy and has worked for the past 10 years at the Salem Health Psychiatric Medicine Center as a music therapist. The many populations Melissa instructs include respite groups at Center 50+, Avamere Court at Keizer, Providence Mt. Angel Benedictine Center, Shangri-La Group homes, and more. Melissa is the co-chair of the Oregon Music Therapy Task Force for Government Relations which is currently working on Medicaid reimbursement for Music Therapy services.

Sue Stillman Linja, RDN, LD, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Sue has held leadership positions in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Idaho Health Care Association, and Treasure Valley Dietetic Association. She is co-founder and president of S&S Nutrition Network, Inc. and co-founder and vice-president of both LTC Nutrition Consulting and Nutrition and Wellness Associates. Sue has spent the past 30 years of her career working in gerontology and in long term care, as a food and nutrition services director, state surveyor, business owner and consultant. In addition to creating and implementing nutrition/menu services for her clients, Sue and her business partners provide contract work for nearly 55 dietitians in 10 western states. Sue has given a TED talk on nutrition and aging: “The Road to 100” and co-published the book, The Alzheimer’s Prevention Food Guide.

Alise Ingrid Liepnieks, MPH, is a Program Specialist for the State of Oregon and SW Washington Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. She earned her undergraduate degree in Health Education from the University of Utah and her Master’s degree in Public Health from Purdue University. Alise works with state and public agencies, providers, individuals and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, to provide care and support, advance public policy and accelerate research.


Event sponsored by AARP Oregon and City of Salem Center 50+