According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Alzheimer’s disease affected around 5.8 million Americans in 2020 (source), with the numbers of those affected expected to increase in the coming decades. It is a progressive neurological disease with symptoms that frequently begin after age 60. Over time, memory problems known as dementia become worse, causing difficulties with daily life. A good way to remember the difference between normal memory lapses and symptoms of dementia is that it is normal to forget where you put your keys, but it is a symptom of dementia if you forget what your keys are used for. Dementia can also cause mood or behavioral changes and difficulties making good decisions.

The tools of yoga are meant to bring a person into a state of unconditional love. Meditation leads to a quiet and peaceful mind. However, at times, my mind is so distracted that I can’t concentrate let alone meditate. But this never happens when I am chanting. No matter what the state of my mind is when I start to chant a kirtan (mantra set to a tune), my mind calms and time ceases to exist. I enter into a focused and positive state of mind that lasts beyond the chanting.

1. June - August Outdoor Yoga in the Garden at NC Botanical Garden with SAM Sather, Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT)

Date: Tuesdays in June through August

Time: 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM

Fee: $13

Limited to 8 attendees: register soon

Register: Registration is through the NC Botanical Garden. Each class is listed for registration individually HERE.

2. In Person at The Parlour in June

Dates: June 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th. Wednesdays

Times: 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Price: $15 / session

Class Size is Limited: 10 people spaced for physical distancing.

Sign-up for each class individually on the weekly class schedule.