THANKSGIVING IS MORE THAN GOOD FOOD!

Happy Thanksgiving to all who follow this blog
I though I would share just how important FOOD and the HOLIDAY rituals can be to overall brain wellness and cognition.

For instance, did you know that science has proven that every positive memory we think of or speak about enhances the chemical deep within our brain. These chemicals enhance and increase our cognition.

Food plays a crucial role in stimulation the brain and enhancing cognition. See the past posting of the image of the regions of the brain that are stimulated by listening to music and then mediating.

NOW- Look at the different regions of the brain that are stimulated when food is added to an activity.

The Orbital frontal cortex is stimulated through all pleasurable experiences such as food and sensory stimulation.

The Occipital lobe is stimulated when autobiographical information is retrieved, for instance reminiscing about last years Thanksgiving or a special Thanksgiving shared with loved ones who are no longer with us, but live on through us, in our hearts and minds.

The right Temporal lobe responds to calming music and relaxation experiences.

Post parietal lobe translates visual images into motor commands, seeing the food and then wanting to grab a fork full!

The Reticular formation controls eating behaviors, the actual smelling of the food cooking, even before "seeing" the food. This region is responsible for arousal of sensorial stimuli in the brain and is one of the last regions to be effected by the Alzheimer's disease process.

So when you are sitting around the dinner table today or having reminiscing thoughts with loved ones and relatives, remember you are also stimulating YOUR BRAIN, keeping the cells thick and dense, which science now believes is directly correlated to decreased risk of cognitive impairments latter in life !

40th Celebration of the American Art Therapy Association

The American Art Therapy Association,

held in Dalllas Texas celebrates 40 years of professional service to communities across the nation and around the world!

One of the Keynote speakers, Pamela Tanner Boll is shown below, sharing feelings and stories about the struggles and successes of being a Artist along with the responsibilies of wife and mother.

Certification Course on TTAP Method(tm)

There are now a number of sites hosting the 2 day- 14 hour (CEU's approved) TTAP Method Certification Course in 2010.

In February there are plans to host the 2 day course in New York City and Westchester County. In March, 2010 the course will be given at the University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki and Hamenalinna, Finland. In April, the course will be given in Chicago through Edward Hospital, a teaching university Medical Center

For more information, please contact Linda@levinemadoriphd.com.

American Art Therapy Association, November 18-22, 2009

The TTAP Method (TM) will be featured at the American Art Therapy Association's Annual conference, go to http://www.americanarttherapy.org/ on Friday at 3:15. research on the 8 studies on the TTAP Method(TM) will be discussed in detail and stop by the booth in the exhibitor hall. Educational DVD's and CD's will be on sale.

Over 500 attend conference on Alzheimer's Disease

In Troy Michigan today over 500 attendees from all disiplines including therapists, nurses, caregivers, healthcare aides attended the Edna Gates Foundation for Alzheimer's Disease. The morning sessions were designated to the neuroscientific theories on how the brain regions are activated and enhance neuronal connections during all creative art experiences. In the afternoon the TTAP Method(TM) was presented in two sessions to participants who learned how the method puts research into practice. The TTAP Method already (c) recieved Trademark status from the United States goverment in October and is currently has a patient pending.


Highlighted, was the now 8 research studies (3 completed/ 5 starting) which are researching the cognitive, social, physical and emotional effects that the TTAP Method has on individuals with mild, moderate and moderate/severe stages of Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, the method will be utilized with the aides population in 2010.



Above, Margaret Weilbut, ATR-BC was responsible for all the artwork displayed during the conference. Margaret utilzed the TTAP Method in many of her projects specifically designed for the Alzheimer's population.

Health Professions Press is now offering the TTAP Method Certification Course on the Seminars On site- go to www.healthpropress.com/sos or call 1-888-337-8808 starting Novermber 15th.

The book sold out during the afternoon sessions and by mid day- three new healthcare sites were interested in the certification course for healthcare providers in hospitals, community centers and home health organizations.

Currently, there are two rehabilitation facilities that have certified the staff and will study how the method can effect falls prevention, appetite, cognition and behaviors. The TTAP Method, shown to be culturally sensitive, will look to be studied in the Older Caribbean African and African American adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Stage Dementia in an application to through Downstate Medical Center in 2010.

If you or your facility is interested in certification for staff please contact me at Linda@levinemadoriphd.com and you will be sent information on the 14 hour course which has been approved for CEU's through New York State.