LEAP! into Action

Lifestyle Empowerment for Alzheimer’s Prevention (LEAP!) is the innovative KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center educational program that gives participants a head start on improving brain health and preventing dementia. Thanks to philanthropic support, we launched the LEAP! program in 2015. Since then, we’ve reached over 6000 individuals through hundreds of in-person and online classes. We’ve created the Brainpower Blueprint manual, instructional videos, and a multitude of helpful guides and resources.

LEAP! focuses on six brain-healthy lifestyle factors: physical activity, exercise, nutrition, sleep, cognitive and social engagement, and stress management. Our simple strategies can benefit everyone, including participants experiencing early-stage Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment. Opportunities to participate in LEAP! include attending our 6-week Brain Health Boot Camps, joining our 4-week Mediterranean Diet courses, and connecting with other participants in our Alumni Program.

With dementia cases expected to triple by 2050, many experts believe prevention strategies are a public health imperative. Studies suggest that changing lifestyle habits and other risk factors may prevent or delay 40-60% of cases. Thanks to generous donors, we’ve provided this program to our community at minimal to no cost. Your support would pave the way for ongoing free brain-health education. Help us shape the future of Alzheimer’s disease. Imagine what we can do together.

Thousands have benefited from LEAP! – read what one of them has to say: “I am so grateful [for the LEAP! program]. I no longer live in fear of getting AD because I learned so many positive lifestyle changes that will lessen my chances of suffering from this terrible disease. I can't thank you enough for the thorough education and all the resources that I have built into my lifestyle now. The LEAP! program and the grace of God has helped me take charge of my lifestyle to live a healthier, fuller life.”