Asheville Institutefor Memory & Longevity
Asheville InstituteFree Community Programs — No. 2
Research shows that exercise, social connection, cognitive engagement, and stress management can build resilience and may delay the onset of cognitive impairment. AIML brings that science to older adults, caregivers, and lifelong learners across Western North Carolina — free of charge.
A community brain-health gathering in Hendersonville, June 2026.
Talks
Free educational sessions on brain aging, risk reduction, and cognitive resilience, delivered with local libraries, churches, wellness groups, and senior organizations. Led by Dr. Mark Dranias, PhD, neuroscientist and Alzheimer's Association certified community educator.
Invite AIML to speak →Peer group
A monthly small-group program where older adults meet to learn and practice habits that research shows protect memory and brain health. The format is modeled on the U.S. POINTER study, a major NIH-funded national trial that demonstrated measurable cognitive protection through structured lifestyle engagement.
Ask to join →Materials
Session materials, facilitator guides, and participant handouts from our programs are posted freely under an open license, so any community organization can adapt them.
Gentle Stretch brain-healthy movement handout (PDF) →Our region has one of the highest concentrations of adults over 65 in the state, and most residents lack access to structured, credible, community-based programs for healthy aging. Protective lifestyle habits only work when people know about them and have support to act on them. AIML exists to bridge that gap.