Outcomes & Partners
StrongerMemory,
a smarter approach
StrongerMemory℠ is an easy-to-use, research-supported program designed to help people maintain and strengthen their cognitive abilities.
The research proves it
We created StrongerMemory to help individuals experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), early dementia symptoms or normal age-related memory concerns. Since its formal launch in 2020, program participants have shown measurable improvements in cognitive function, emotional well-being and social engagement. These studies occurred in multiple research settings.
Phase I: 2020-2021
Early development and initial findings
StrongerMemory curriculum developed and piloted.
2021 George Mason University Pilot Study
104 participants showed statistically significant improvements in memory scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, especially those with Mild Cognitive Impairment. The participants felt more confident in daily life and noticed improvements in focus, recall and engagement.
Phase II: 2022-2023
Expanding the Research
In a Maryland Department of Aging Pilot Program, 89% of participants reported satisfaction with StrongerMemory. 64% saw improvements in brain health and memory.
A George Mason University 12-week study compared StrongerMemory participants with a control group to look specifically at the social component. This cohort was part of a national Alzheimer’s Disease Research Grant and included groups led in English and Korean. Those who combined StrongerMemory with social interaction saw the best results. Also, more time spent on math exercises correlated with stronger cognitive improvements.
A 6-month follow-up in 2023 showed those who continued StrongerMemory maintained or improved cognitive scores. Even those who stopped still had higher scores than before beginning StrongerMemory.
Phase III: 2024-Present
Peer Reviewed Published Research & What’s Next
2024 Study published in Families in Society, I Have Decided to Read Out Loud for the Rest of My Life
CMS CMP Grant Project: Bringing StrongerMemory to Nursing Homes
The CMS Civil Monetary Penalties (CMP) Reinvestment Grant, awarded to Goodwin Living, funded the expansion of StrongerMemory to Virginia nursing homes. The goal was to improve cognitive health and reduce isolation among older adults in long-term care. The CMS CMP Grant Project confirmed that StrongerMemory is scalable, effective and beneficial for long-term care settings.
A simple, effective approach
to brain health
StrongerMemory provides a low-cost, high-impact solution to maintaining and improving cognitive health. Research confirms that simple activities practiced regularly can lead to real improvements in memory, focus and well-being.
Proven cognitive benefits
Reading aloud improves memory recall and verbal fluency. Simple math exercises strengthen focus and problem-solving. Handwriting enhances fine motor skills and memory retention. Social engagement further boosts cognitive health.
Emotional and social well-being
Participants reported feeling happier, more connected and more confident. They reduced their anxiety about memory loss and reconnected with family and loved ones through journaling and reading aloud.
Who benefits
- Anyone who wants to keep their mind sharp.
- Older adults experiencing early memory changes.
- Family members looking for simple ways to engage with loved ones.
- Caregivers & senior communities seeking proven activities to enhance cognitive health.
- And, of course, you.
The science behind StrongerMemory
For more on StrongerMemory outcomes and research check out the studies below.
I Have Decided to Read Out Loud for the Rest of My Life! Cognitive Health and the StrongerMemory Program. Families in Society (2024)
Why writing by hand beats typing for thinking and learning. (2024)
Your Brain Will Thank You for Learning Math. (November –December 2023)
Breathing better: A tech-monitored study of positive expiratory pressure and reading aloud for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (August 2023)
George Mason University, follow up StrongerMemory Presentation (2023)
StrongerMemory (Phase II): Experiences of Older Adults and Caregivers in an Intervention Program for Cognitive Impairment (Final Report) (2023)
StrongerMemory: Experiences of Older Adults in an Intervention Program for Cognitive Impairment, A Research Study Piloted by George Mason University in Partnership with Goodwin Living (2022)
StrongerMemory: Building Brain Health for Maryland’s Older Adults (2022)
Writing by Hand Boosts Brain Activity and Fine Motor Skills, Study Shows (April 2022)
Reading activity prevents long-term decline in cognitive function in older people: Evidence from a 14-year longitudinal study. International Psychogeriatrics (2021)
Learning therapy for older adults with cognitive impairment: a pilot study; Asian Journal of Gerontology and Geriatrics; Hong Kong Vol. 15, Iss. 2, (Dec 2020)
Why You Should Read This Out Loud. Hardach, Sophie. BBC Neuroscience article Sept 2020 with links to multiple research studies
The Importance of Cursive Handwriting Over Typewriting for Learning in the Classroom: A High-Density EEG Study of 12-Year-Old Children and Young Adults
Reading information aloud to yourself improves memory of materials. (2018)
Study on the Effects of Individualized Learning Therapy on Cognitive Function and Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in the Institutionalized Older Adults. Journal of Nursing Research: (December 2016)
The Ecology of Self-monitoring Effects on Memory of Verbal Productions: Does speaking to someone make a difference? Consciousness and Cognition (Nov 2015)
StrongerMemory
partners
Our 300+ partner organizations across 44 U.S. states, Canada and Trinidad & Tobago have reached 58,500+ participants through facilitated groups and direct downloads. Our partners include senior centers, faith-based groups, Village-to-Village networks, public libraries, skilled nursing communities and more.
Already using StrongerMemory and want to become a partner? Email StrongerMemory@GoodwinLiving.org to collaborate with our team in promoting better brain health.
Partners by region
National US
- Caregiver Action Network
- Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance (PMD)
- Village to Village Network
Eastern US
- City of Greenbelt – Maryland
- Fairfax County Senior Ctrs (all) – Virginia
- Generations Central Adult Day Center – Virginia
- George Mason University Department of Social Work, College of Public Health – Virginia
- GW Institute for Brain Health and Dementia – Washington DC
- Loudoun County Library: Sterling – Virginia
- Nursing Homes across Virginia through CMS CMP project: 90 have participated thus far – Virginia
- Permanente Medicine: Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group – Maryland
- Pickett Fences Senior Services – Maryland
- Resilient Health Communities – Maryland
- Sibley Senior Association (Johns Hopkins) – Washington DC
- Surrey Services for Seniors (4 centers) – Pennsylvania
- The Church of the Good Shepherd – Virginia
- The RiverWoods Group – New Hampshire
Midwest US
- Dementia Care Solutions of East TN – Tennessee
- SeniorAge Missouri: 32 Senior Centers – Missouri
Western US
- Full Life Care – Washington
- Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services: 15 Senior Centers – Utah
- SkylineSeattle Senior Community – Washington
- University of Alaska Fairbanks Osher Lifelong Learning Institute – Alaska
International
- Divine Favour Healthcare – Canada
- Trinidad & Tobago Adventist Health Ministries – Trinidad & Tobago
Not seeing your organization listed? Email us at StrongerMemory@GoodwinLiving.org.
Become a facilitator
StrongerMemory works even better when participants work together. If you’re interested in establishing a StrongerMemory group, we can help you get started. Find out more with our Facilitators Resource Guide.