Premiering Thursday on 6 On Your Side:
What might look like your average exercise class at the YMCA-- actually serves a greater purpose. It is a class designed specifically for people with early stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment, and the class activities aim to help prevent or delay the onset of diseases like Alzheimer's.
6 On Your Side's Madeline White spoke with one man who said since suffering a stroke two years ago, the twice-a-week class has helped him significantly when it comes to thinking clearly
"It really sharpened my mind and my memory. I mean, I wouldn't have been able to to carry on this conversation with you two years ago," said Ron Colbert, class participant who suffers from memory loss.
A neurologist and Medical Doctor we spoke to from St. Luke's said she recommends this class to her patients.
"Moderate exercise daily has been shown to, ya know, both delay disease and may eventually be considered preventative or protective," said Dr. Cecile Zhao, MD, Neurologist, St. Luke's.
Currently, the Movement for Memory Class is held only at the South Meridian YMCA, but due to a recent grant they received from Blue Cross, the program will soon be coming to the YMCA West location.
