Bricks for Better Brains©

Discover how B4BB builds community and improves well-being

Bricks for Better Brains© encourages seniors to explore creativity, strengthen social connections, and take advantage of tactile stimulation.

Learn About Our Project

Our Vision

What we are striving to accomplish and how we are going to do it

We discovered our purpose by sharing the joy of building with LEGO® bricks to various communities of older people, helping them rediscover the powerful potential of bricks in building communities and improving their well-being. We are motivated to continue creating a world that welcomes and values people of all ages and abilities.

Yellow Brick Dark Blue Brick Red Brick

Red Brick Yellow Brick

FAQ’s

This section provides helpful answers to frequently asked questions, covering program details and its benefits for participants.

Bricks for Better Brains© was established in 2021 as a final project for the Cognitive Activity Design course in gerontology. With guidance from Portland Community College’s Gerontology faculty and students, it evolved into a pilot study. The program was tested across multiple communities in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area, allowing for continuous refinement and improvements.

The program provides two distinct pathways, allowing participants to engage based on their needs and cognitive abilities.

The project-based approach is designed for older adults in the general population, offering structured, goal-oriented activities. The experience-based approach is tailored for individuals living with dementia, focusing on sensory engagement, interaction, and exploration. Long-term participation leads to the best outcomes.

To support this, training is available for facilitators and caregivers to continue the program independently.

Sessions are conducted in locations that are convenient and comfortable for participants, such as libraries, community centers, private residences, and long-term care communities. Each setting is chosen to promote accessibility and ease of participation.

Family members, friends, and caregivers are encouraged to join the sessions. Social interaction plays a vital role in the program, allowing participants to share their experiences, celebrate achievements, and strengthen connections with their loved ones.

By taking part, caregivers and family members can support engagement while also discovering meaningful ways to interact through the program.

Please contact the program to discuss engagement options.

Testimonials

Stories of families and seniors showing how Bricks for Better Brains has transformed their lives and helped their memory.

"Bricks for Better Brains© is an evidence-based cognitive activity protocol that harnesses our persistent life-long human capacity for play in an innovative and fun way."

Jenny Sasser, PhD, FAGHE

Portland Community College, Gerontology Program

"The creative process, engagement with others in a social context, and the exercise for my arthritic fingers are significant positive contributions to my life and well-being."

Kate Mayo

Program Participant

"Watching Natalia work with our residents has been delightful as she is not only patient and kind with them, but strives to know each person individually and keep track of their likes."

Elaine Anderson

Life Enrichment Assistant, The Springs at Lake Oswego

"I notice two things after the use of Lego play. One is I now have more attention to detail than ever before. And, my manual dexterity has greatly improved."