Dr. Aaron Ritter, Director of Memory & Cognitive Disorders Program at Hoag's Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute, suggests that dementia may best be understood as a problem of brain metabolism. Metabolism is how the brain turns food into energy and materials it needs to function. In dementia, key brain cells gradually lose this ability, leading to common symptoms that accompany dementia including fatigue, weight loss, irritability, and loss of interest in hobbies or exercise.
Join us for our free event where Dr. Ritter will speak in person about "Dementia Risk Reduction" as part of our 2026 Dementia Caregiver Education Series. Register for this free event at our website:
We exercise with our clients during 'Friendship Club,' because exercise might also have a positive impact on mental health:
- Some studies have shown that exercise might improve focus and attention.
- Giving more confidence and higher self-esteem.
- Providing opportunities to meet and talk with others. This can help maintain a sense of identity and prevent feeling isolated.
- Improving mood and symptoms of depression.
Learn more about the Adult Day Program at Mount of Olives Church in Mission Viejo, on our website - /
We love dancing and music at "Friendship Club"!
In a 2008 article in Scientific American magazine, a Columbia University neuroscientist posited that synchronizing music and movement—dance, essentially—constitutes a “pleasure double play.” Music stimulates the brain’s reward centers, while dance activates its sensory and motor circuits.
Click here to read more: https://hms.harvard.edu/news-events/publications-archive/brain/dancing-brain?fbclid=
Please join us for our FREE monthly lecture series conducted by seasoned veterans and experts in the dementia caregiving community. We are honored to collaborate with Alzheimer's Orange County in the "Empowered Caregiving" series.
Next event, Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 9:30am. Pre-Registration Required.
Register by emailing [email protected] or call 949-955-9000.
Our Mardi Gras parade, a few weeks ago, was the perfect way to kick off the season of Lent. Events like this offer a powerful sensory experience and social connectivity for our loved ones! Plus, music, movement, and familiar traditions are incredible tools for memory recall and emotional connection. 🎶👑
Bridging the generations! We teamed up for our bi-monthly playdate with our little friends from @roberthlange Preschool & Kindergarten recently. The week’s mission? Learning to be a 'Good Neighbor!' As Dr. Karen shared the story of the Good Samaritan, both generations worked side-by-side on a special project. These moments are more than just fun—they spark emotional resilience and social engagement, which are vital for cognitive health!
Don't forget to register to join us for our FREE event:
Dementia Caregiver Education Series - Event 1: Attitude of Gratitude: Strategies to Avoid Dementia Risk
with Patty Mouton, MSGc - Alzheimer's Orange County
Saturday, April 18th, 9:00-11:00am
Register Now at adp.moochurch.org
Love shows up in the smallest moments—like a shared laugh, a gentle high-five, or a tiny hand reaching out to say hello. Twice a month, our community is reminded of that love through our playdates with our @roberthlange Preschool & Kindergarten, where little ones bring fresh energy, curiosity, and joy into the room. These visits do more than brighten the day: meaningful social connection has been shown to support brain health and may help slow cognitive decline in people living with dementia. Through singing, storytelling, games, and simple conversation, our clients engage their minds and hearts—building bonds across generations. In every smile exchanged, we see the powerful truth that love is not only felt…it’s healing.
Here at "The Friendship Club" we recently enhanced our program with the inclusion of our friend Theresa from Sunrise Assisted Living. Here, she is playing a logo game with our clients. Activities such as these can stimulate memories in a fun and engaging way.
Register Now to attend our the first event in our annual Dementia Caregiver Education Series. In 2026, events are focused on Dementia Risk Reduction!
Mark your calendars and register online for these free events.
Limited space available.
First Event: Saturday, April 18 - "Attitude of Gratitude: Strategies
to Avoid Dementia Risk” with Patty Mouton, MSGc, Alzheimer’s Orange County
Learn More & Register at adp.moochurch.org
Come join us at the club where friendships are made!
"Friendship in dementia contributes to well-being, social connectedness, and quality of life (McCabe, Robertson, & Kelly, Reference McCabe, Robertson and Kelly2018); however, people who have been diagnosed with dementia are at increased risk of social isolation (National Seniors Council, 2014)."
