About Brain Buddies
What is Brain Buddies?
Brain Buddies is a programme for people with Down Syndrome. You can buddy up with friends, family, or keyworkers to take care of your brain. When you buddy up, you have people to help you and you help them too. When we do things together, we have more fun! Having fun is good for your brain.
Looking After our Brain
Learning and doing new things helps to keep our brain fit and healthy.
We can keep our brain fit the way we keep our bodies fit.
Our brain is like a muscle. We must keep using it to keep it strong.
Remember it is never too early or late to start making changes to keep your brain healthy.
Our Brain
Everyone needs to look after their brain health. People with Down Syndrome are more likely to have changes to their brain as they get older. This means they might find it hard to remember things or pay attention. They might find it hard to organise themselves. They might not be able to do some of the things they enjoy.
Our Brain
It is in charge of lots of things, like telling our
muscles what to do and helping us remember
important things.
We need to keep our brain healthy
As we get older, our brain can change.
This can mean that it doesn’t work as well.
Brain Buddies was inspired and made possible by an amazing group of people living their best life as part of the Kerry Parents and Friends Community. Thank you for your enthusiasm, laughter, sometimes tears, but always belief that on our journey together we would find a hopeful trail and better brain health for all. This booklet is for everyone, to use as a stepping stone to build friendships and improve brain health.
Dr Eileen Dukes
Project Managers: Ambika Fox, Dr Eileen Dukes, Bernice Costello
Kerry Parents & Friends Association (KPFA) would like to thank Rethink Ireland for providing support and funding towards our Brain Buddies Programme 2024.
We would also like to acknowledge the contributions of:
- Ace Communications
- Allen Creative
- Bennis Designs
- Dennigan Photography
- Hello Brain Trinity College Dublin
- HSE – Public Health Department
- University of Galway, School of Psychology