Aging Gracefully Lab
in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of South Carolina
Aging Gracefully Lab Director Dr. Neils-Strunjas Puts Spotlight on Dementia Prevention
Click here to read her featured interview and learn more about how small, achievable changes today can make BIG changes on cognitive health tomorrow, including:
- Social engagement
- Staying physically active
- Practicing mindful meditation
- Taking care of our hearing
- …and more!
Our Focus
The Aging Gracefully Lab focuses on how exercise and social engagement improve cognition and reduce the risk of mental and physical health problems. Exercise reduces the risk of stroke and degenerative neurological disease such as Alzheimer’s disease. Social engagement improves adherence to exercise, and decreases depression and stress, which impact physical health. Increased understanding and application of research may benefit older adults living in the community and also those residing in nursing homes where physical inactivity and social isolation are common. Exercise and social engagement benefit mood, brain health, physical health, cognition, and quality of life.