The Brain Health Bulletin - September Edition
Welcome to the September edition of Holly’s monthly newsletter!
Evenings are cooler, the leaves are beginning to turn, and September always brings that unmistakable back-to-school energy, even for us. Fall is a season of fresh starts, new routines, and renewed focus, making it the perfect time to invest in your brain health.
As we trade long summer days for the structure of autumn, this month invites us to sharpen our minds, reset our habits, and embrace learning in all its forms. Whether you’re stepping back into the classroom, picking up a new hobby, or simply recommitting to your daily wellness practices, your brain thrives on curiosity and consistency.
In this bulletin, you’ll find resources to help you stay focused, energized, and ready to welcome the season ahead.
Let’s begin fall with clarity, connection, and a spirit of lifelong learning.
Did You Know?
A seven-year study from the Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project shows that going back to school isn’t just for kids; it can actually help keep adult brains sharp. Researchers followed adults aged 50+ who enrolled in university courses and compared them with peers who didn’t. The results were striking:
Here’s what researchers found:
Adults who took fee-free university classes showed better memory, verbal learning, and communication skills than those who did not.
The cognitive benefits were sustained over seven years, showing that learning can truly reshape how the brain ages.
Engaging in new, challenging learning experiences appears to support brain plasticity, keeping the mind more adaptable and resilient.
This study highlights that lifelong learning, whether formal courses or informal pursuits like hobbies, reading, or new skills, plays a powerful role in brain health.
Quick Tip: Challenge your brain this fall with something new: sign up for a class, learn a language, try a musical instrument, or dive into a new book. Your brain thrives on curiosity and growth.
Read the full article to learn more about lifelong learning and brain health
The Art of Habit Stacking:
Building Brain-Boosting Routines with Ease
A recent article from Brain Health Network introduces habit stacking, a science-backed method for integrating new, positive behaviors into your daily life by linking them to habits you already perform effortlessly.
Key Highlights:
What is habit stacking?
Pair a new habit with an existing one, as simple as journaling after your morning coffee. The established habit acts as a natural cue, helping the new behavior stick with minimal mental effort.Why it works for brain health:
This approach taps into the brain’s existing neural pathways, making it easier for new patterns to become automatic. Habit stacking fosters routines that require less conscious energy, promoting consistency without overload.Science meets strategy—BJ Fogg’s influence:
The article draws on the Tiny Habits methodology founded by BJ Fogg of Stanford’s Behaviour Design Lab, showcasing how subtle behavior design can support sustainable brain health improvements.
This piece offers an actionable blueprint for nurturing healthy habits that support cognitive vitality, without feeling overwhelming.
We have a full scheduled for the Fall 2025
We’re back, and ready to move our bodies and improve our brains!
Boost Your Brainpower: The Science of Exercise and Brain Health
Saturday, September 6 · 10:30 a.m. CST
Discover how movement fuels your mind in this energizing session on brain-body connection.
The Rhythm of Aging: Listening to Your Heart
Thursday, September 18 · 10:30 a.m. CST
Explore heart rate variability and how your heartbeat reflects your stress, fitness, and brain health.
The Mind–Gut Connection: How the MIND Diet and Your Microbiome Shape Brain Health
Thursday, October 2 · 10:30 a.m. CST
Your brain’s future is not written in stone, and what’s on your plate can change the story.
See Your Future Clearly: Understanding Vision and Aging with optometrist Dr. Blanche Bellerive
Thursday, October 30 · 10:30 a.m. CST
Vision health and brain health are more connected than many people realize. Good eyesight isn’t just about reading the fine print or enjoying a sunset
Stress and the Brain
Saturday, November 8 · 10:30 a.m. CST
Stress is a normal part of life, but when it builds up, it can take a serious toll on both the brain and the body.
Supplements for Brain Health - Fact or Fiction? with Dr. Seema Goyal
Tuesday, November 18 · 10:30 a.m. CST
In this eye-opening session, Dr. Seema Goyal will cut through the confusion and marketing hype to explore what science actually says about brain health supplements.
The Fascinating and Awful Topic of Pain with Tasha Stanton
Tuesday, December 9 · 7:00 p.m. CST
Pain is something we all experience—but what exactly is it, and why can it be so persistent and elusive?
The Impact of Sleep on the Brain
Thursday, December 18 · 10:30 a.m. CST
Sleep isn’t just downtime; it’s a powerful and essential process that keeps your brain healthy and resilient.
Recent Research & Recognition
This month, we’re thrilled to celebrate an exciting achievement from within our own lab community. Congratulations to M. Abdullah Shafiq, a medical student at the University of Saskatchewan, a valued member of our research team and part of our Brain Health and Wellness Lab at the University of Regina, on being selected as a recipient of the 2025 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award for Medical Students!
This prestigious award recognizes medical students across Canada who demonstrate exceptional leadership, community service, and a passion for advancing health care and research. Abdullah’s commitment to both his studies and his research work in our lab exemplifies the kind of excellence this award honors.
We are incredibly proud to see one of our own collaborators receive national recognition for his dedication and contributions.
From Holly and all of us at Community & Company, we hope you’ve enjoyed this month's edition of The Brain Science Bulletin!
If you know someone who would find this newsletter helpful, feel free to share it with them. They can also join our mailing list by signing up at the bottom of our website’s Contact Page.
Thank you for being part of our community. We appreciate you! See you in the next edition.
Warm regards,
Holly Bardutz and the Community & Company Team
“You make your brain, then your brain makes you!”
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns or treatment.
