By 2060, the number of people living with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is expected to double. While many await a medical breakthrough that can reverse the disease, there exists a critical period—often spanning years—between the onset of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early-stage dementia and the later, more debilitating stages. During this time, individuals can continue to live independently, meaningfully, and actively within their communities. The Connect Brain Training Program was created to support and enrich this vital phase of life. Rooted in a community-based, therapeutic model, the program promotes cognitive health through structured social, recreational, and wellness activities. Its mission is to proactively address cognitive decline by engaging the brain and body using a holistic, evidence-informed approach.

Program Highlights

The Connect Brain Training Program combines targeted brain exercises with physical movement, creative expression, mindfulness, and social connection. It also provides caregivers with respite and access to a dedicated support group.

Program Objectives

• Develop new skills and stimulate creativity
• Strengthen short-term memory, language, and vocabulary
• Maintain physical activity to support brain health and neuroplasticity
• Foster community, form new friendships, and create positive memories

Brain Training Objectives

• Long-term memory recall and guided reminiscence
• Mindfulness and gratitude exercises to reduce anxiety
• Social engagement through group interactions
• Creative exploration through music, art, and journaling
• Brain training worksheets targeting memory, attention, language, and reasoning

Physical Training Activities

• Exercises for strength, mobility, and core stability for daily living
• Balance training to reduce fall risk
• Adaptable movement routines tailored to individual capabilities

Program Structure

14-week sessions, highly structured and success-based, meeting twice weekly from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Sessions typically begin in January, April and August and have rolling admissions

Tuition rates are set by the host site and typically average $75-$100 per week

Program Testimonials

“The class has given my mother a new lease on life. It’s not only memory games, she is more energized, inspired, creative and enthusiastic about life. She loves going to class! I wish there was a Connect Brain Training for every senior, in every community. It has done wonders for my mother mentally, emotionally and physically. It’s something she looks forward to and we’re so happy that she’s doing something she enjoys. Finding Connect Brain Training has been a blessing not only for her but for the family as well.  Having her engaged in something she’s interested in means we have a happy mom who is enjoying life! 

The leaders and assistants are superb. She talks to us all the time about the people in her class. She has taken other classes over the years but this is something different. She is more focused and committed in Connect Brain Training and they seem to be more committed to her as well. One day she didn’t attend class and the leader Michael called to make sure she was ok.  I let him know she just slept in but I was so touched and I realized why her classes mean so much to her. 

Connect Brain Training is an important part of my mother’s life and we hope it will continue to expand so that others in every community can enjoy the benefits my mother has gotten out of the program.” – Matina, daughter of a member

“Participating in a brain class is not only an investment in your mental health, but also an opportunity to socialize, learn new skills, and maintain a youthful mind for the rest of your life.” – Doris, member

“When we needed to move my mom to Orlando to live with us, we knew it would be a challenging transition. She isn’t able to go out on her own to build a new group of friends, and the Connect Brain Training program has given her a place to connect with others her age, in a positive and enriching environment.” – Jennifer, daughter of a member

“Priceless. It’s the first word that comes to mind when I reflect on time spent with my father and mother while Dad was a Connect Brain Training participant. Dad battled vascular dementia for a few years before joining the program. On a visit in February 2024 I spent a day with my father in the program. A day I’ll never forget. He was mostly engaged but unsure at times. He was reflective. He got grumpy when it was exercise time (was never his cup of tea). We told jokes together—for better or worse I inherited his sense of humor and we were double-trouble that day. We went round-robin with the other participants sharing what we’re grateful for. We played trivia games. I sang (poorly) for the class. I hadn’t sang in front my father since high school. When needed I was there to help him if he struggled with words or activities. Priceless. The Program Coordinators, Catherine and Michael, were skillful, caring, and all-around lovely. It was easy to tell the participants wanted to be there because of the community Catherine and Michael created. I wanted to come back for the same reason. 

My father passed away in July 2024. We miss him so. I’ve been back to the program with my mother a couple times since then. She’s a volunteer and I’m so proud of her. During my most recent visit I learned Catherine and Michael started a class ritual to tell a corny joke in honor of my father. Tears and laughter were unavoidable. Priceless.” – John, son of a member

Contact Us For A Complementary Consultation

Before enrolling a new member, we conduct an assessment to ensure that the program will provide a therapeutic benefit. If you or a loved one are interested in attending our Central Florida location, please contact Program Coordinator Catherine Hagan at (615) 584-4842 or email us at connectbraintraining@gmail.com to schedule a consultation.

Hosting A New Location

If you are interested in hosting a new location, please contact Michael Dottino at 407-579-6591 or email him at michaeldottino@usamemorychampionship.com for information.

About Us

Michael Dottino and Catherine Hagan co-founded the Connect Brain Training program in early 2022.

They are experts on psychology, wellness, brain health and the practical application of neuroscience to improve mind, body and spirit for every person they reach.

Our program was recently mentioned in National Geographic magazine. Click here for a link to the article (subscription required).

This portion of our daily agenda features handouts which exercise different cognitive skills. The specific handout being in the video works on languages skills. Volunteers provided assistance to any members needing help during the activity. Other cognitive skills focused on include executive function, logic and reasoning skills, visual spatial skills, and short and long term memory.

Each Connect Brain Training class includes 30 minutes of exercise led by a certified fitness instructor. The class in this video is led by co-founder Catherine Hagan. Each 30 minute segment includes activities to improve strength, mobility and balance. Activities are modified to accommodate the needs of individual members.

On most Wednesdays, we have a guided meditation led by April Dean, a volunteer who is an has a masters degree in meditation. This video shows the first two minutes of the meditation from today’s class.