UW Bioengineering Research Associate Professor Eric Chudler led a new initiative that was launched in 2023 that brought neuroscience education directly to Washington state’s older adult population. The Brain Health Learning Network (BHLN), supported by the Dana Foundation, delivered 13 expert-led public lectures covering crucial topics from memory and sleep to Parkinson’s disease and nutrition.

Chudler, known for his previous outreach work with children through Neuroscience for Kids and the BrainWorks series, analyzed data from five focus groups to identify the community’s most pressing concerns about brain health and misinformation. “Sharing brain health knowledge, especially for an aging population, is critical,” said Chudler. “And there’s a real need for this kind of outreach—people often don’t know as much about Alzheimer’s or how to parse misinformation as they could.”

Working closely with Natalie Lecher, director of the UW’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), Chudler carefully selected speakers who could effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences. “We knew this partnership would be a good fit because Eric brought access to world-class neuroscience researchers, while OLLI has long-standing relationships with older adult learners and community organizations across the state,” Lecher said.

Chudler kicked off the series with an interactive primer on brain anatomy and function, including popular myth-busting segments that challenged common misconceptions. The program’s hybrid format, offering both in-person and online sessions, proved highly successful, with the introductory lecture alone garnering 1,200 views and the full series reaching over 3,100 views by December 2024.

The impact of the program was evident in its impressive results. Survey data from 297 participants showed significant knowledge increases across all sessions, with understanding of Alzheimer’s dementia jumping from 53% to 85% and Parkinson’s disease comprehension rising from 77.8% to 93.5%.

Looking ahead, Chudler envisions expanding the program’s reach through more hands-on activities and demonstrations, emphasizing that similar programs could be implemented in smaller communities with minimal resources. Through his dedication to making neuroscience accessible, Chudler has created a sustainable model for community-driven science education that continues to serve as a valuable resource for lifelong learners worldwide.

Read more about the Brain Health Learning Network and its impact on brain health knowledge for older adults on the Dana Foundation website.