Researcher(s)
- Linda O’Hara, Health Behavior Science, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Jennifer Seabrook-Scott, Extension, University of Delaware
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and the sixth leading cause of death in U.S. adults. Over 7 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s in 2025. As the population ages, the prevalence is expected to grow alarmingly, projected to be 13 million by 2050, and the $384 billion cost of caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is estimated to increase to nearly $1 trillion. In Delaware 11.3% of adults over 65 have it and Delaware is aging faster than the nation. The lifetime risk of dementia at age 55 is 42% but 45% of cases are attributable to modifiable risk factors many of which are related to poor diet, physical inactivity, and social isolation.
Wits Workout is a structured brain health program designed by University of Illinois Extension to reinforce social interaction and provide skill-building exercises to improve memory and address many of the modifiable risk factors. Jennifer Seabrook-Scott, University of Delaware’s Mental Well-being Extension Agent, has been delivering the program at various libraries and community sites for three years. This project was to deliver the first six lessons of the 24-session program to four new sites in New Castle County: Route 9, Kirkwood, Brandywine Hundred and Claymont Public Libraries. Satisfaction and confidence in cognitive ability will be measured at the end of the six weekly sessions.