Nicole Scheidl

As one of the founders and creative minds behind Fit Minds Inc., Nicole has been creating cognitive stimulation therapy programming since 2010. An experienced curriculum developer, teacher and coach, she brings a wealth of experience to creating and teaching the Fit Minds Program.

Nicole has trained hundreds of professional and family caregivers who have touched the lives of thousands of individuals living with a cognitive impairment. Nicole also holds a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, a Master’s in Law from Queen’s University specializing in Negotiations and is a Certified Professional Consultant on Aging.

Your Past Impacts Your Present – Stressful Lifetime Events Linked to Later Cognitive Decline

Research recently presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference showed a link between stressful events in childhood and early adulthood and cognitive decline in later years.   The Study The longitudinal study used individuals registered with the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention. The participants were assessed for cognitive function every two years. The researchers measured […]

More Evidence Linking Sleep to Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found direct links between inadequate sleep in middle-aged, cognitively normal individuals and Alzheimer disease biomarkers. What is new about this study is that participants were younger and had not been diagnosed with dementia.

Why Is Sleep So Important?

Alcohol Consumption May Harm the Brain

How does alcohol consumption affect your brain? Does it have a preventative effect against cognitive decline or does it cause cognitive decline?

When It Comes to Brain Health – Genes Aren’t Your Destiny

The FINGER study which came out of Sweden was a landmark study looking at reducing dementia risk by lifestyle changes. The randomized study was done over a two-year period with about 1200 individuals participating in the study. The FINGER study found that making lifestyle changes, improving nutrition, increasing physical activity and mental activity can lower […]

Safety and Dignity

As we age we become more vulnerable. Our bodies move a little slower. Our minds may need a little more time to process information. And with that vulnerability comes a need for others to be mindful and protective of the dignity of the aging individual.

Making Sense Out of Caregiving

I recently had the opportunity to speak to Dr. Zachary White and Donna Thomson about their new workshop for caregivers. Their new workshop is focused on helping caregivers make sense out of their new roles and navigate those changes.

Would You Want to Know?

When I give presentations on Brain Health and Cognitive Stimulation Therapy I am often asked about genetic testing for Alzheimer’s. Individuals are wondering if they should get tested to see if they carry the genes that predispose them to this disease.

The Effect of a Positive Attitude

Research shows that positive thinking has a significant impact on the body and the brain. Positive thinking Improves your immunity Helps you cope better with stress Can make you more resilient Can help you live longer

Cognitive Resilience: What is it? How do I build it?

Cognitive resilience is an important concept in brain health. There has been more attention paid to the building of cognitive resilience to reduce dementia risk and help individuals age well.