Brain Matters

09/29/2026

We’ve been hearing this question a lot lately - ever since it dominated headlines after research was published in February 2026 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Heidi Wulzen, RDN with Heritage Health, confirmed that emerging research shows coffee (about 2–3 cups a day, kept simple, not full of sugar and cream) may be linked to a lower risk of dementia. Interestingly, decaffeinated coffee did not offer the same neuroprotective benefits, suggesting that caffeine may be the beneficial driver of the risk reduction. But scientists are still working to confirm which compounds in coffee may be responsible for the benefits. Research is also ongoing to determine whether other beverages, such as tea, have similar effects.

And don't worry if you're not a coffee drinker! It's only one small piece of the puzzle. What matters more is your overall way of eating.

Focus on:
🍅 Fruits and vegetables (especially berries and leafy greens!)
🫘 Whole grains and beans
🌰 Nuts and seeds
🐟 Fish and healthy fats

A balanced plate does more for your brain than any single drink. Small, steady choices add up. See full article in our link in bio.

09/23/2026

Mahalo, Merrily, for sharing this amazing testimonial about your new healthy habits! Habit change is hard, and you are crushing it! 🧠💪👏🏼

Here’s what Merrily sent us after attending the first three Brain Health Hui classes: “I have so enjoyed and benefited from the first three sessions. The YMCA and its programs add richness to our lives. I find I am carrying the ‘Gospel of Brain Health’ as I travel! 
 
I can report that my buying habits at the grocery store have changed since the session on nutrition.  I was quite taken with the notion of the rainbow colors of fruits and vegetables.  My shopping basket now is filled with them.  I understand more clearly how to benefit from the ‘Nutrition Information’ charts and am able to do better comparative shopping, e.g., on salad dressings, refried beans—  checking sodium, sugar, and fat contents to make more healthful decisions.

I owe a lot to you and the Brain Hui classes!
 
I hope to keep learning and to apply my new information to daily habits.”

Want to join a Brain Health Hui? The next Hui begins on October 12 at Kaimuki YMCA. Registration is available at the YMCA.

09/21/2026

Forty-six years ago today, Tony and Dana Vericella said "I do" here on Oʻahu. They raised triplets together, cooked big family dinners, and built a beautiful life side by side.⁣
⁣
In 2018, Dana was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Tony made a promise to love her through it all, with patience and support.⁣
⁣
He left his career. They moved to the Big Island to be closer to family. He learned to bathe her, feed her, and simply be there for her — even on toughest days.⁣
⁣
"You're around people all the time," Tony shares, "but it's a very lonely existence."⁣
⁣
Yet from that loneliness, something beautiful grew. Tony gathered everything he'd learned and turned it into free resources so no caregiver ever feels as alone as he once did. On their wedding anniversary in 2023, he launched Alzheimer's Caregiving & The Caregivers. As Tony prepared for the launch, he learned the date also happened to be World Alzheimer's Day. ⁣
⁣
Tony's message is clear: everyone knows someone touched by dementia, and no one should have to search for help the way he once did, nor be alone on their journey. That’s why Alzheimer’s Caregiving and the Caregivers provides free Caregiver Kits to anyone going down this path.⁣
⁣
His words for fellow caregivers: You are not alone. Ask for help. Rest when it's offered. ⁣
⁣
Read Tony and Dana’s full story, ‘finding light in the long goodbye’, on our website and register for a free Caregiver Kit.⁣
⁣
Know someone caring for a loved one with dementia? Share this with them.⁣
⁣
⁣

09/15/2026

It was all about brain healthy eating during today’s Brain Health Hui at Waianae YMCA! Chef Ikaika was in da house serving up three super ono lentil dishes. ⁣
⁣
Why lentils? ⁣
⁣
🧠 They are packed with fiber, which helps keep blood sugar steady and helps you feel fuller longer. Fiber is great for heart health, and what’s good for the heart is good for the brain. ⁣
⁣
💵 Lentils are inexpensive. With high food prices here in Hawaii, they are a great way to eat healthy on a budget. ⁣
⁣
😋 Lentils are versatile, taste great and also have a good amount of protein to help meet your daily requirements. ⁣
⁣
Remember: healthy eating isn’t about perfection. It’s about good choices made consistently. ⁣
🧠💪

09/13/2026

Your memories are precious.

The laughter of your loved ones. The stories only you can tell. The ʻohana who count on you.

Here in Hawaiʻi, dementia is touching more families every day:

~ 31,000 people are living with Alzheimer's
~ 62,000 family caregivers are giving unpaid care
~ 111 million hours of unpaid care every year — worth $3.3 billion

Many people believe losing these memories is simply inevitable. But science tells us something hopeful: nearly half of all dementia cases can be delayed or even prevented, starting with lifestyle choices you can make today.

You still have the power to protect what matters most.

Brain Matters can help turn fear into hope and worry into action.

Go to brainmattershawaii.org and take your personalized brain care score today. In just a few minutes, you can get a clearer picture of how to protect your mind, your memories, and your independence — so you can keep showing up fully for the ones you love.

Let's help Hawaiʻi outsmart dementia, together.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnELdi-HqrY

10/24/2025

A healthy lifestyle is the best and most effective way we have to reduce our risk of cognitive decline. The importance of sleep, physical activity, stress management and a healthy diet can't be overstated.

Mahalo to Hawaii Dementia Initiative for featuring me in their campaign!

10/03/2025

These kupuna just completed a six part brain health hui where they learned all about the lifestyle habits that will help prevent dementia, and help slow the progression of the disease if they already have a diagnosis.

We learned from each other, laughed, moved our bodies, created SMART goals, and encouraged and motivated each other to adopt healthy habits. Today was the end of the hui, but the beginning of a brain healthier lifestyle. 🧠💪

If you’re interested in starting a brain health hui at your organization, church, etc, reach out to us for info.

03/11/2024

Is it just brain fog or something more worrisome? Check out my latest newsletter and blog post about how to tell the difference between normal forgetfulness and signs and symptoms of cognitive decline.

Move with a View Newsletter

03/01/2024

We had perfect weather and a fun and fabulous group for this morning's Pilates in the Park. This was the last one of the season, but watch this space for more to come later in the year.

02/10/2024

We received a Hawaiian blessing in the form of rain at the start of our Pilates in the Park session, but that didn’t stop these people! Join us next Friday at 9am at Kamole Park! 🌈🌸