Beats for the Brain
Tuesday, November 4 from 11 AM to 12 PM on Zoom
Experience the joy and health benefits of drumming! Led by Rishima Bahadoorsingh, this online class is a simple, effective way to improve focus, memory, and physical coordination. Enjoy a relaxing, friendly environment where you can connect with others and learn easy rhythms using everyday household items as your instruments. |
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In-Person Workshop: Art from the Heart
Wednesday, November 17 from 1 PM to 2:30 PM
Come join us for an art session with Mady Mooney that will let you use colour, shape and imagery to express what is meaningful to you. Discover how the creative process can foster healing and mental well-being. We encourage you to bring your own supplies, but we will have some supplies available for people to borrow. |
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Wellness Wednesday: Beating the Winter Blues
Wednesday, November 19 from 12 PM to 1 PM
For this month's Wellness Wednesday event, Dr. Raymond Lam will talk about the common symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, or feeling down and lethargic during the winter months, and how they relate to seasonal changes in biological rhythms. He will discuss management strategies for treating and preventing the winter blues, including tips for diet, activity and light exposure. |
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Nutrition Program: Soup & Social
Wednesday from 11:45 AM to 1:00 PM
In collaboration with the University Neighbourhood Association, this Fall "Soup and Social" in-person series offers a monthly opportunity for participants to broaden their nutrition knowledge, connect with peers and cultivate friendships over a bowl of warm soup. Each session will feature a homemade soup prepared by Raihan Hassen (BWP staff and dietitian), alongside nutrition tips.
- Upcoming sessions: October 29, November 26, and December 10
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Announcements and Updates
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Nutrition Program
Did you know that we offer multiple nutrition classes and workshops? Our "Soup & Social", "Brain Power Kitchen", and "One on One Nutrition Counselling" offerings still have available spots for you to participate. |
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Community Events and Resources
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Rewiring the Mind: How Science, Lifestyle and Wellness Shape Brain Health
Every action we take can change the brain. In this special UBC Connects at Robson Square event, presented in partnership with UBC’s Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, you will hear from UBC scholars Dr. Lara Boyd, Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose, and Dr. Silke Appel-Cresswell. Together, they will share insights on how learning reshapes the brain, the role of exercise in aging, and how diet and lifestyle are essential to lifelong brain wellness.
Details:
- When: Monday, November 3, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Where: UBC Robson Square Theatre (C300)
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Vancouver Art Gallery: "The Art of Wellbeing for Seniors"
"The Art of Wellbeing for Seniors" is a unique program that combines Gallery tours with interactive, arts-based workshops designed to spark creativity, reflection and connection. Each session begins with a guided tour of a current exhibition, followed by a dynamic workshop where participants explore their responses through movement, mark making, creative writing and theatre. Sessions conclude with refreshments in a beautiful private space within the Gallery, offering a chance to socialize and reflect.
- Current workshop: "Monsters in My Head" (Otani), running from Wednesday, Oct 29 to Wednesday, Nov 12, 2025
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| UBC MD Neurology: Seeking Volunteer Patients |
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The UBC Vancouver-Fraser MD program is seeking volunteer patients to participate in upcoming Neuro 4 sessions taking place on the 2nd floor, Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre (2775 Laurel Street Vancouver, BC). Upcoming session dates:
- November 3, 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
- November 5, 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
- November 12, 8:15 AM to 12 PM
Volunteer Patients are members of the public who make a unique and valuable contribution to the education and training of future doctors. To participate, you must have a neurological condition (such as PD, MS, stroke, spinal cord injury, ataxia, or polyneuropathy) and be able to volunteer without nursing or supportive care. This session is conducted with a small group of 4-6 students in their 2nd year of the MD program. The students will ask you about your medical history and conduct a physical examination of the relevant areas. A $50 honorarium will be provided to offset expenses incurred due to participation. Contact vfmp.patientprograms@ubc.ca if you are interested! |
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Music Care Conference: The Power of Song in Dementia
The Music Care Conference by Room 217 is an upcoming national conference which brings together community members who are interested in music and care. Under this year's theme "The Power of Song in Dementia Care", the conference will focus on dementia and explore the transformative role of music in care settings. Hear from an inspiring lineup of speakers and workshop facilitators, such as Dr. Lee Bartel, Giles Wilmore, Dr. Allison Sekuler, Ruth Watkiss, Jill Barber, and more!
Details:
- When: November 14th, 2025, 9 AM - 4:30 PM
- Where: Virtual (or in-person in Ontario)
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| Dancing with Parkinson's (DWP) |
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| Dancing with Parkinson's (DWP) aims to bring people living with Parkinson’s disease and seniors out of isolation and into an artistic community where they can dance and connect with others. Led by Sarah and David Leventhal (founding Instructor and Program Director of Dance for PD), they are now launching in-person classes. See above for more details. |
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Do you enjoy being creative? Would you like to contribute to understanding Parkinson's disease? Diagnostic Imaginings brings together people with Parkinson's disease and their loved ones with musicians, dancers, and researchers through a creative process based on lived experiences and scientific research. The cultural mediation team featuring Louise Campbell (musician), Dr. Naila Kuhlmann (neuroscientist) and Dr. Rebecca Barnstaple (dance therapist) offers two free 90-minute music and movement workshops. For more details and registration, please complete the form below.
- When: 10th and 15th of November
- Where: Online (via Zoom) or in-person in Montreal
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| Research Opportunities
Review current research opportunities with the BC Brain Wellness Program, including Impact 360 for Parkinson's Disease and Microbiome and Diet in Parkinson’s Disease.
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| Check out our latest blog post "Your Mouth and Brain" to learn about the link between oral health and overall wellness. |
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| Donate
The BC Brain Wellness Program is an entirely donor funded program and would not be possible without donors like you. A gift today will ensure the ongoing development and delivery of classes. Thank you for your support.
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| Feedback
We would love to hear your feedback and suggestions regarding the program. If you wish to submit anonymous feedback, please fill out our Feedback Form on the Contact Us page.
If you would like to inquire about technical issues or any other feedback requiring a response, please reach out to us via email or phone. Responses on the feedback form are anonymous.
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