University of the Pacific Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy Mental Health Awareness Committee

A presentation was given by Dr. Halliwell who teaches neuroscience and clinical pharmacology at the University of the Pacific.This presentation was titled, “How to Slow Down Brain Aging Without Really Trying”. We are now living longer than ever before but that also means we are facing the challenge of living a longer phase of life when time and tide begin to take their toll on our bodies and our brains. This short presentation focused on recent evidence that life style, education and community engagements can slow down the brain aging process, reduce the risk of disease and enhance a healthy retirement. There was about 150 people in attendance and the audience included professional pharmacy students as well as other professionals in the field of mental health. A second event was put on by the Mental Health Awareness Committee, however this event focused on reaching out to undergraduate students on campus. Pharmacy students that are members of our committee set up a booth providing education on how alcohol and ecstasy negatively affect your brain. There were also other posters which encouraged exercise and laughter as a means to maintain a healthy brain. Promotional materials were handed out at this event provided by the DANA Foundation. Other free items we had included stress balls in the shape of a brain with the university logo on it. We provided education for as many students we could willing to listen. In the end, we reached out to approximately 50 students at this event

BAW has allowed many of the pharmacy students to become informed about evidence/research on brain health and how to maintain a healthy brain. This opportunity would not have arisen if BAW did not exist. Also, many people were interested in the concept of BAW and have never heard about it so the promotional materials helped a lot to spread the word.