Walking, reminiscing benefit brain health in older Black adults

OHSU research project finds improved mood, cognitive function through walking, socializing

By Erik Robinson February 28, 2024 Portland, Oregon

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Vickie Naylor, at left, and Ruth Tillman walk and reminisce on March 14, 2024, in Northeast Portland as part of an innovative OHSU research project that recently demonstrated a benefit in brain health among participants who started the six-month walking program with mild memory loss. (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)

OHSU SHARP Walk research

Ruth Tillman, Vickie Naylor and OHSU coordinator Patrice Fuller walk along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Portland on March 14, 2024, as part of a research project known as Sharing History through Active Reminiscence and Photo-Imagery, or SHARP. (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)

OHSU SHARP walk research

Ruth Tillman, Vickie Naylor and OHSU coordinator Patrice Fuller walk in a neighborhood off of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Portland on March 14, 2024, as part of a research project known as Sharing History through Active Reminiscence and Photo-Imagery, or SHARP. (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)

SHARP study aims to improve memory

A sample of the memory prompts used in the Sharing History through Active Reminiscence and Photo-Imagery (SHARP) study, September 20, 2017. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Sharing History through Active Reminiscence and Photo-Imagery

Participants look over the walking route as they take part in the Sharing History through Active Reminiscence and Photo-Imagery (SHARP) study, September 20, 2017. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

SHARP study aims to improve memory

Participants in the Sharing History through Active Reminiscence and Photo-Imagery (SHARP) study. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Walking reminiscing benefit brain health in older Black adults

In this photo from 2017, Vickie Naylor, Donna Maxey and Bernadine Clay, left to right, participate in an OHSU line of research to promote brain health through walking and reminiscing in North and Northeast Portland. Each participant remains active, including Maxey's work with Race Talks in Portland. (OHSU)

Raina Croff, Ph.D. (OHSU)