Dr. Aryn Bush, psychology instructor and cognitive aging psychologist at the University of South Florida Polytechnic, took part in the Creativity and Cognition/Meet Me at MoMA events in Polk County May 1 and 2.

More than 300 people attended the May 1 event at Arts Ensemble Healing Arts Centre in Winter Haven. Bush and Stefanie Thompson, program specialist for the Alzheimer's Association - Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, shared the stage with Amir Parsa, Alzheimer's project program specialist from the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

According to Bush, "This platform enabled us to educate the community regarding the multiple programs--both educational and support--and resources available to individuals directly and indirectly affected by dementia. Specifically, we were able to increase awareness of the Beginning Alzheimer's Support and Education, Transcending Limitations through Creativity, and the Creativity and Cognition programs.

"It's rare to have the opportunity to share this information to such a broad audience. We were certainly very fortunate."

The May 2 training program, held at the Polk Museum of Art, was directed toward local professionals interested in developing adaptations of the Meet Me at MoMA program. Bush provided the dementia education module, while Parsa conducted program-specific training.