Kyla Rock, the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Program Manager for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services’ Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Bureau, presented at LIFTT on June 20. Rock’ encouraged her audience to make “small, sustainable changes that can have a big impact on their cognitive well-being.”
On June 20, LIFTT was pleased to welcome Kyla Rock, the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Program Manager for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services’ Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Bureau, for a special presentation on Brain Health. Kyla led an engaging and informative session, encouraging participants to consider making small, sustainable changes that can have a big impact on cognitive well-being.
One of the key topics Kyla discussed was the importance of healthy sleep habits. She shared practical tips such as turning off screens and putting away phones at least an hour before bedtime. Participants also learned how simple adjustments to room temperature and lighting can significantly improve sleep quality. While pets can bring joy and companionship, Kyla reminded attendees that it’s important they don’t interfere with a good night’s rest.
Lifestyle choices, like smoking, were another focus. Kyla explained the direct link between tobacco use and increased risk of cognitive decline. She highlighted Montana’s Tobacco Free initiative as a valuable support resource for those looking to quit smoking and improve their overall brain health.
Mental and emotional well-being were also part of the conversation. Kyla emphasized the importance of social engagement and community involvement, whether through volunteering, attending faith-based gatherings, or simply staying socially active. Physical activity — even low-impact exercises like Tai Chi — was promoted as a powerful way to reduce stress and support brain health.
The group shared ideas for fun, heart-pumping activities that also encourage social interaction, both of which are essential for keeping the brain sharp. The discussion naturally transitioned to nutrition, where participants shared tips such as hard-boiling eggs and eating them with olive oil for a quick, healthy breakfast, as well as finding creative ways to add more fruits and vegetables into their daily meals.
Kyla closed by urging anyone concerned about memory loss or dementia — whether for themselves or a loved one — to reach out to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24-hour hotline at 800-272-3900 for support, information, and guidance. Attendees were also encouraged to enroll in LIFTT’s 8-week Brain Health Class, which explores these topics in more depth and fosters ongoing dialogue around brain-healthy habits.
For information about the Brain Health Class or to sign up, please call LIFTT Nutritional Health Coach Eileen Rodriguez at (406) 294-5185 or email her at eileenr@liftt.org.
About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides aging and disabled members of the community with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south-central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for your Apple or Android Device.
