AUBURN — Individuals living with memory challenges, early-stage Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia and their care partners have an option for fitness in the Lewiston-Auburn area beginning in late February.

Mindful Mobility Auburn consists of seven one-hour weekly class sessions led by trained fitness instructors. The exercises focus on gentle stretching, mobility, balance and strength training. The content was developed by the former wellness director at the YMCA of Auburn-Lewiston, Becky Walker, and will be held on the campus of Central Maine Community College.

“Motivation for this program is based on an increasing body of research indicating that fitness and social activity can be highly beneficial for those living with dementia,” noted Laurie Trenholm, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter. “This initiative is actually part of a larger effort in which we are partnering with community organizations to take their own approaches to serving local citizens living with dementia,” stated Trenholm.

The Alzheimer’s Association offers a variety of early-stage social programs specifically designed for those living with a diagnosis of dementia and their care partners. The programming offers meaningful activity in friendly, supportive environments and opportunities to connect with others in the community that are affected by dementia.

The weekly series will run from Friday, Feb. 23, to Friday, April 6, and will be presented by a partnership between the Auburn-Lewiston YMCA, Central Maine Community College, Central Maine Conditioning Clinic and the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter.

Advance registration is required. For more information, email mpechenik@alz.org or call 207-772-0115.


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