Created by the Council on Aging, IMEP is designed for use in a classroom setting. IMEP is a structured, research-based program that integrates the mind, body and brain connections to boost cognitive reserve and minimize the progression of memory loss or dementia. Maintaining a light-hearted atmosphere and encouraging social interaction and authentic dialogue helps participants feel connected and accepted. For those who can’t attend our in-person classes, we also offer IMEP Coaching and IMEP@HOME.
Our IMEP in-person classes meet at different locations
around St. Johns County, Florida. Click here
to discover a location near you.
Delivered weekly to a participant’s email inbox, IMEP@HOME is
designed for those who want to explore the IMEP lesson and activities
on their own or with the the help of their caregiver. Contact us for more
information about our IMEP@HOME program
or Click Here to begin your subscription today!
Want to see a sample of IMEP@HOME before purchasing?
Click Here
Or copy and paste the link below into your browser:
https://imeprogram.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Sample-IMEP@HOME-1.pdf
Learn more about IMEP and how, as a research-based program, it’s an effective, unique and well-documented pathway for memory enhancement. We’d love to share more about IMEP, so please feel free to contact us with your own questions. Click here to get in touch today.
IMEP is unique in that it focuses on addressing the mind/body connection of each individual. This approach is based on the principle that the mind and emotions affect physical health and vice versa.
IMEP includes supportive modalities that nourish and sustain the brain and body, such as aromatherapy, brain integration exercises, diaphragmatic breathing, mental agility exercises, guided relaxation, and more.
There are currently many computer-based memory enhancement programs that are fun, challenging, and beneficial, however they do not provide the social support, interaction, and individualized attention that an IMEP classroom session provides.
The well-documented brain benefits of socialization indicating a marked decrease in dementia risk for social seniors substantiates the importance of the social interaction and support of the group dynamic.1
1 Szalavitz, Maia. 02 May 2011. Friends With Benefits: Being Highly Social Cuts Dementia Risk by 70%. Time Online. <http://healthland.time.com/2011/05/02/friends-with-benefits-being-highly-social-cuts-dementia-risk-by-70/>.
Numerous significant landmark studies from highly regarded institutions substantiate not just the effectiveness of memory enhancement programs, but the crucial need for them. Five major studies are listed below in chronological order.
- Mayo Clinic Study – 2009 – People who engaged in mentally challenging activities in their 50’s and 60’s were 40% less likely to suffer memory problems.
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/exercise-your-brain-to-prevent-memory-loss/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2821441/ - Rush University – 2010 – People who engage in complex tasks have improved cognition and lower risk of dementia.
http://n.neurology.org/content/75/11/990
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3439198/ - Time Online – 2011 – Friends With Benefits: Being Highly Social Cuts Dementia Risk by 70%.
http://healthland.time.com/2011/05/02/friends-with-benefits-being-highly-social-cuts-dementia-risk-by-70/ - UCLA Longevity Center – 2012 – People with a high amount of cognitive reserve can compensate for the brain damage caused by disease and old age, being less likely to manifest symptoms of dementia.
http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/ucla-memory-fitness-education-213606
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/749031 - Johns Hopkins – 2013 – Performing basic reading and math tasks maintains and improves cognitive function in healthy seniors and in those with dementia.
https://muse.jhu.edu/article/688646 - ACTIVE study – 2014 – Brain training helped older adults stay sharp for 10 years after training program was completed.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4055506/
An IMEP classroom has two facilitators working together. While one facilitator is leading the class, the other facilitator helps out by writing on the board, assisting participants, making any necessary phone calls, or attending to other tasks that require attention.
Trained volunteers help make IMEP run more smoothly, by providing assistance with beverages, snacks and lunch.
IMEP activities and exercises work best in a class size of 10 to 12 participants. This allows for group interaction, individualized attention from facilitators, and an opportunity for participants to connect socially & form meaningful relationships.
IMEP is an ongoing sustained intervention. Participants who are functioning independently are welcome to remain in the class for an unlimited amount of time.
