Cognitive Fitness: Boost Your Brain
NUCASLL is hosting a protective and preventative health education series open to the public. Our mission is to align with a leading global health initiative to introduce healthy lifestyle modifications to promote community health and quality of life.
At NUCASLL, we take a holistic approach to provide evidence-based research findings for participants to make tangible lifestyle modifications with the expertise of Northwestern Researchers, Northwestern Health Practitioners and NUCASLL Speech Language Pathologists (SLP) and Audiologists (AuD). This class series is open to any adult and will be led by Professors Leigh Cohen MS, SLP and Dr. Gardner Meyer CCC-AuD. Participants will have the chance to learn more about strategies that lead to incremental changes to one’s lifestyle to promote a healthy brain.
New and returning participants welcome!
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When:
Wednesdays 6:00–7:00 PM Central Time
10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 10/12
Where:
Virtual via Zoom
Cost:
$500 individuals / $740 couples
Discounts available for NU and CSD students and faculty as well as returning participants
Contact / Register:
Call 847-491-3165 or email NUCASLL@northwestern.edu to register for this program! Advanced registration is required.
Led by
Leigh Cohen, MA, SLP, Assistant Clinical Professor
Leigh Cohen’s primary clinical interests lie in the areas of acquired neurogenic disorders including motor speech, language, cognition, voice and dysphagia. She is certified in LSVT Loud for both pediatric and adult populations, a SPEAK OUT! provider for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, and MBSImP certified to apply a standardized approach to the instruction, assessment, and reporting of swallowing physiology and impairment. She is committed to culturally responsive care, patient advocacy, and health initiatives that serve the community.
Dr. Liz Meyer, CCC-AuD, Assistant Clinical Professor
Elizabeth Meyer’s clinical interests are in diagnosing and treating adults with hearing impairment. She enjoys working with patients and helping them meet their communication goals. Dr. Meyer is active in community outreach and patient advocacy.
FAQ
When does the series start and end?
October 8, 15, 22, 29 and November 5, 12, 2025
All sessions run from 6:00–7:00 p.m. Central Time
Do I need to commit to the entire series?
Yes, participants register for the full 6-part series. Handouts and follow-up information are shared with participants following each session.
Are there any prerequisites or experience levels required?
No prior knowledge is required to attend.
Do I have to be local to participate?
Anyone is welcome to attend virtually, but only local participants may access the complimentary in-person screenings.
How do I register?
You can register by phone at 847-491-3165 or email nucasll@northwestern.edu.
What is the cost to participate?
$500 per participant, $740 per couple
Are any discounts available?
Yes! We offer the following discounts:
- Returning participants: 50% off
- CSD faculty, staff, emeriti, and students: Free
- Immediate family of CSD faculty/staff/students: 25% off
- NU faculty, staff, and emeriti (non-CSD): 25% off
- NU students: 50% off
- Immediate family of NU students: 25% off
Please note that discounts must be requested and applied at the time of registration and payment. They may not be applied retroactively.
What’s the cancellation policy?
Cancellations must be submitted in writing at least 48 hours before the first session to be eligible for a refund. Email NUCASLL@northwestern.edu to request a cancellation.
What do I need to participate?
The program is hosted via Zoom. Participants will receive a link and instructions in advance.
Will sessions be recorded?
Sessions are recorded for internal educational purposes only, such as graduate student and clinician learning. Recordings are not shared with participants or the public, and are used solely to support professional training within our program.
What if I miss a session?
Session handouts and resources are shared with participants throughout the program.
How can I interact or ask questions?
Sessions include Q&A, chat, and optional small group discussions. You are welcome to engage in the way that feels most comfortable for you.
Will I need to have my camera on?
No, but we encourage camera use for group activities and discussions if you feel comfortable.
Resources
Brain Health Top Priority for Americans
In a 2023 national survey, over 90% of Americans said brain health is important—but many aren’t sure where to start. (Dana Foundation)
Why brain aging can vary dramatically between people
New research shows that how we live may influence how our brains age. Factors like stress, sleep, and exercise could make a difference. (CNN, Genomic Press (Genomic Psychiatry), 2024)