Meet 2025 President’s Innovation Challenge Finalist: Brain Exercise Initiative

Why It Matters

By demonstrating that simple, volunteer‑led activities can improve dementia cognition and reduce isolation, the Brain Exercise Initiative offers a scalable, cost‑effective complement to clinical care, influencing future nonprofit health interventions.

Key Takeaways

• Student-run nonprofit targets cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients
• Over 80 chapters across US and Canada mobilize 300 volunteers
• Simple math, reading aloud, writing improve dementia cognition
• Programs run five days weekly, fostering intergenerational connections
• Goal: ensure every cognitively declining individual receives support

Summary

The Brain Exercise Initiative, a finalist in the 2025 President’s Innovation Challenge, is a student‑run nonprofit dedicated to enhancing cognitive function among Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Founded by Esen Gamishikin, the organization operates more than 80 chapters throughout the United States and Canada, leveraging a volunteer base of over 300 individuals.

The program’s core methodology involves daily mental‑stimulating activities—simple math problems, reading aloud, and writing exercises—conducted five days a week. Research cited by the team indicates that such routine engagement can measurably improve cognitive performance in dementia sufferers, while also providing structured social interaction.

Beyond the cognitive benefits, the Initiative emphasizes intergenerational connection, aiming to alleviate the loneliness prevalent in retirement homes. As Gamishikin stated, “Our goal is that every individual dealing with cognitive decline will have the support and friendship of a Brain Exercise Initiative volunteer.” This personal touch underscores the nonprofit’s dual focus on mental health and community building.

If scaled, the model could complement traditional medical approaches, offering a low‑cost, volunteer‑driven supplement to Alzheimer’s care. Its success may inspire similar student‑led health innovations and attract public‑private partnerships seeking to address the growing burden of cognitive disorders.

Original Description

Meet 2025 President’s Innovation Challenge Finalist: Brain Exercise Initiative

The Brain Exercise Initiative, founded by Esin Gumustekin (Harvard Law), is a student-run nonprofit dedicated to improving cognitive function in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.

Through simple math, reading aloud, and writing exercises, the initiative supports brain health while fostering meaningful intergenerational connection.

With more than 80 chapters across the United States and Canada and over 1,300 volunteers, the Brain Exercise Initiative is helping combat cognitive decline and loneliness—one session at a time.