Navigate Up

News Release Search
GO
UPMC/University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences
​
For Journalists
Courtney Caprara
Communications Specialist II
Telephone: 412-647-6190
​​​​​
Gloria Kreps
Senior Director
Telephone: 412-586-9764
​

Want to Make an Appointment or Need Patient Information?

Contact UPMC at
1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

Go to Find a Doctor to search for a UPMC doctor.​

​
Pitt Brain Exercise and Training Program Aims to Improve Mind and Body Wellness in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 14, 2016 – Individuals with mild cognitive impairment have a new resource in Pittsburgh with the recently established Brain Training and Exercise (BRiTE) mind and body wellness program, developed by a team of clinicians and scientists at the University of Pittsburgh with expertise in cognition and behavior. The program works to stimulate the brain and body of those with known or suspected cognitive impairment with the goal of improving overall health and wellness.
 
“There already are effective and well-developed programs that provide home care and nursing homes that benefit individuals with more advanced disease, yet there is little available for individuals with very mild cognitive deficits,” said James T. Becker, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry, neurology and psychology at Pitt. “The BRiTE program provides these individuals with the opportunity to maintain their active occupational and social lifestyles.”
 
The BRiTE program is housed in an 800-square-foot space in Oakland, which is equipped with padded carpeting for physical activity. Stations around the room can be configured to host various classes, including cognitive strategy, music, art and yoga training among others. All activities are designed to reduce frailty, increase strength and endurance and improve balance and stability.
 
All program participants undergo an initial evaluation to generate a wellness profile of physical, cognitive, emotional and social health. This profile provides a baseline, allowing the individual participants to track their progress through the program as they utilize the various cognitive and physical stimulation programs.
 
The BRiTE team, including Becker, Oscar L. Lopez, M.D., director of both BRiTE and the University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, and Elizabeth Skidmore, Ph.D., chairperson of the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, have been collaborating with experts at Fundació ACE Barcelona Alzheimer Treatment and Research Center since 1998. This center pioneered a model of nonpharmacological programs to help stimulate cognitive, behavioral and physical functions to improve social and occupational functions.
 
Grifols International has provided funding for this new program in Pittsburgh.
 
“We are tremendously thankful for their support and the opportunity to provide these state-of-the-art programs in Pittsburgh,” said Lopez. “The BRiTE program will provide the area’s population with a new program to support cognitive health that is not available elsewhere in the United States at this time.”
 
The BRiTE program will celebrate its opening with an event for its founding members, funders, clinicians and staff today at 10 a.m. To attend, please contact Courtney Caprara at 412-592-8134 or CapraraCL@upmc.edu.

UPMC | Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences Supplemental content provided by Healthwise, Incorporated. To learn more, visit www.healthwise.org

For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. UPMC policy prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected group status. Further, UPMC will continue to support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. This policy applies to admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in UPMC programs and activities. This commitment is made by UPMC in accordance with federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations.

Medical information made available on UPMC.com is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely entirely on this information for your health care needs. Ask your own doctor or health care provider any specific medical questions that you have. Further, UPMC.com is not a tool to be used in the case of an emergency. If an emergency arises, you should seek appropriate emergency medical services.

UPMC
Pittsburgh, PA, USA | UPMC.com