About Us
The Brain Exercise Initiative is a student-run 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that uses math, reading, and writing as an intervention against Alzheimer's disease and to improve cognitive functioning in senior citizens at nursing homes. Japanese neuroscientist, Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, found that simple math exercises and reading aloud for just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week can have a positive impact on memory for those with Alzheimer's. Many individuals showed improvements in communication and behavior; some even went from being bedridden to sitting in a chair or walking. There are currently over 1,400 care homes with 15,000 Alzheimer's patients across Japan that have implemented programs based on Dr. Kawashima's research with great success. BEI aims to bring this practice of mind exercise through reading, writing, math, and visual and musical art experience to local nursing homes with the help of university student volunteers.
