Health Services
Cognitive Health

1 in 5 respondents to BCHD’s 2021 Community Health Survey are caring for a family member or friend experiencing cognitive memory issues with 13% of those persons being cared for being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia (BCHD Community Health Survey, 2021).

In February 2022, the BCHD Board of Directors adopted the 2022-2025 health priorities, which includes Physical and Brain Health.

In the Beach Cities, physical health not only includes physical expressions of disease, such as obesity, diabetes and asthma, but also includes diseases of the brain such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. While the Beach Cities remains a physically active community with a low overall obesity and diabetes rate, other physical ailments such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s and dementia remain elevated in adults ages 18+.


Cognitive health is multifaceted and impacted by our physical health and fitness, diet and mental health. Below you will find the ways that BCHD can support your cognitive health. Please be sure to check out the “Current Offerings” section to see what is upcoming:  

> EDUCATION
  • Physican and other professional lectures related to cognitive health
  • South Bay Dementia Education Consortium – quarterly virtual presentations from experts
> NUTRITION
> MENTAL HEALTH
> SOCIAL CONNECTION
> FITNESS
Current Offerings

Dementia Caregiver Support Groups Coming Winter 2024

Are you caring for a loved one with dementia and in search of more support? Join Beach Cities Health District social workers for an 8-week caregiver support group in Redondo Beach to connect with others, share your experience and receive support. We have two options available:

  • General Caregiver Support Group - REGISTRATION CLOSED
    Facilitated by Joy Schmidt, LCSW
    Mondays, 12-1:30 p.m. beginning January 29, 2024
  • Men's Caregiver Support Group (for male caregivers)
    Facilitated by Rudy Diaz, MSW
    Wednesdays, 12-1:30 p.m., beginning February 7, 2024

Meetings will be held at 1200 Del Amo St., Redondo Beach, CA 90277.

Register here or call us at (310) 374-3426 Option 1.


The Vital 6 for Better Brain Health

Wednesday, March 20
9 - 10 a.m.
Center for Health & Fitness, 514 N. Prospect Ave., 2nd Floor, CHF Clubhouse, Redondo Beach

REGISTER

Hosted by the Pacific Neuroscience Institute Foundation
Physician: Dr. Karen Miller and Dr. Shannel Elhelou

Boost your cognitive health and promote longevity with a focus on the Vital 6. Explore the impact of exercise, nutrition, sleep, cognitive training, stress management, and socialization on brain health. Discover practical insights into how embracing these principles can sharpen your mind and contribute to a longer and healthier lifeThe 6 essential factors for better brain health will be discussed in this lecture hosted by Dr. Shannel Elhelou. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insight into brain health!

Bio: Dr. Shannel Kassis Elhelou, PsyD., is a post-doctoral fellow at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute where she specializes in geropscyhology and neuropsychology. She earned her PsyD in Clinical Psychology from California Lutheran University in 2023 and previously worked at the Canandaigua Veteran Affairs Medical Center, specializing in neuropsychological evaluations and dementia-related behavioral management. Dr. Elhelou has pursued specialized training in neurodegenerative disorders at UCLA and Pacific Neuroscience Institute, enhancing her expertise in evaluating and diagnosing cognitive disorders. As an active member of various professional organizations, she is dedicated to advocating for older adults, with research interests focused on non-pharmaceutical interventions for cognitive decline, lifestyle factors influencing cognitive health, and the complexities of neurodegenerative disorders.