When the Alzheimer’s Association needed a fresh way to talk about brain health, Mount Saint Mary College student filmmakers answered the call.
Guided by Merle Becker, instructor of Digital Media Production, the crew produced a video breaking down the simple, everyday habits that keep the mind sharp.
Combining hands-on media production with public health outreach, Becker’s students conceptualized, filmed, and edited the piece to make scientific research on cognitive decline accessible and engaging for viewers of all ages. Drawing on Becker’s extensive industry background in television production and digital media marketing, the project gave students real-world client experience while tackling a vital community health issue.
“This experience mirrored what our students will experience in the industry, producing for a real client with a clear mission,” Becker explained. “The students took vital information on brain health and turned it into something visual, relatable, and genuinely useful.”
The student video spotlights several research-backed Healthy Habits for Your Brain championed by the Alzheimer’s Association:
- Get Moving: Regular cardiovascular exercise increases blood and oxygen flow to the brain—whether through brisk walking, dancing, gardening, or sports.
- Challenge Your Mind: Staying curious by learning a new skill, taking a class, practicing an instrument, or tackling strategy games helps build cognitive resilience over both the short and long term.
- Fuel the Brain-Heart Connection: Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables and lean proteins while managing blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight directly reduces the risk of cognitive decline.
The student-produced video will premiere during “The Healthy Brain Experience: Your Brain, Your Future” on Thursday, November 5, in Guzman Hall at Mount Saint Mary College, 330 Powell Ave., Newburgh, N.Y. Hosted by the Mount and its Center on Aging and DIS-Ability Policy (CADP) in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association, the event is free and open to the public.
The evening begins at 5 p.m. with complimentary refreshments, networking, and an interactive resource fair featuring local organizations dedicated to mind and body wellness. The main program follows from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring the Healthy Brain Habits student video premiere, presentations on current brain health research, an overview of Alzheimer’s Association programs and services, and an expert panel discussion.
Register at www.msmc.edu/brain or by calling the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.