Gala kicks off new cognitive training study for older adults

The McKnight Brain Institute of the University of Florida and The Village retirement community will host the VITAL Gala Kickoff Party at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, to celebrate the partnership in cognitive and aging research between the McKnight Brain Institute and The Village. The gala will be held at The Tower Club at The Village, 8000 NW 27th Blvd. in Gainesville.

The Village Interactive Training and Learning Study, or VITAL, is designed to determine how cognitive training and physical exercise may interact to improve thinking and memory in healthy older adults. The gala will feature experts speaking on the topics “Keeping your brain nimble in the later years” and “What does the VITAL study mean for The Village and our community?” Speakers include UF scientists Dawn Bowers, Ph.D., Dennis Steindler, Ph.D., Michael Marsiske, Ph.D., and community physician Robert Slaton, M.D.

The event is open to the community. People age 60 and older who are interested in the cognitive training research study are invited to attend. For more information, call Kimberly Foli at 352-273-5621.