Posters
Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position
Undergraduate
Academic Level (Author 1)
Undergraduate
Academic Level (Author 2)
Faculty
Academic Level (Author 3)
Faculty
Academic Level (Author 4)
Faculty
Discipline/Specialty (Author 4)
Neuroscience
Presentation Type
Poster
Discipline Track
Community/Public Health
Abstract Type
Program Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: The Memoria Sin Fronteras program addresses the rising prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in rural communities by promoting health equity and targeting underserved older adults in Brownsville, Texas, in particular in the Southmost neighborhood. The program aims to reduce health disparities by providing free, accessible interventions for cognitive health, social engagement, and community support. By creating opportunities for multi-generational interaction and education, the initiative aims to mitigate the impact of AD and improve the overall quality of life for seniors who lack resources.
Description: The program centers on the future establishment of a geriatric center offering art therapy, social activities, and support networks tailored to older adults in the Southmost neighborhood of Brownsville, Texas[RP1] . To pilot this approach, a six-month program will provide free art classes to older adults, fostering activities that reestablish neural transitions in the brain to enhance cognitive function. Outreach efforts include targeted postcard mailers sent to high-AD-prevalence zip codes, using bold, clear messaging to connect participants to resources and services. Key lessons learned include the importance of accessible outreach methods to ensure community participation and the integration of culturally relevant activities, such as art classes, to engage older adults. Though the program is in its early stages, preliminary responses indicate significant interest from community partners and possible participants, and the potential to reduce social isolation while enhancing mental and emotional well-being of older adults.
Partners: The campaign will collaborate with local stakeholders and organizations, including Healthy Communities of Brownsville, which will assist in identifying areas of high need. Revival of Cultural Arts (ROCA) and Brownsville Senior Center, will provide a venue for art classes and other planned activities, creating a community-centered hub for seniors. The Rio Grande Valley AD-RCMAR and the South Texas ADRC will supply research-based strategies and student volunteers to support the implementation and monitoring of program outcomes.[RP2]
Looking Ahead: The program is projected to create lasting benefits by reducing social isolation, enhancing cognitive engagement, and fostering a supportive community network for seniors and their families. Memoria Sin Fronteras will serve as a scalable model for Alzheimer’s prevention in underserved rural areas. Future steps include expanding the pilot program to offer additional therapeutic activities and securing long-term funding to establish a permanent geriatric center. The initiative aims to inspire similar programs nationwide, addressing health disparities.
Recommended Citation
Ramirez, Andrea; Pirela, Rosa V.; Finn, Kim; and Maestre, Gladys E., "Memoria Sin Fronteras: A culturally informed expressive arts program for brain health in the Rio Grande Valley" (2025). Research Symposium. 10.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/2025/posters/10
Included in
Memoria Sin Fronteras: A culturally informed expressive arts program for brain health in the Rio Grande Valley
Purpose: The Memoria Sin Fronteras program addresses the rising prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in rural communities by promoting health equity and targeting underserved older adults in Brownsville, Texas, in particular in the Southmost neighborhood. The program aims to reduce health disparities by providing free, accessible interventions for cognitive health, social engagement, and community support. By creating opportunities for multi-generational interaction and education, the initiative aims to mitigate the impact of AD and improve the overall quality of life for seniors who lack resources.
Description: The program centers on the future establishment of a geriatric center offering art therapy, social activities, and support networks tailored to older adults in the Southmost neighborhood of Brownsville, Texas[RP1] . To pilot this approach, a six-month program will provide free art classes to older adults, fostering activities that reestablish neural transitions in the brain to enhance cognitive function. Outreach efforts include targeted postcard mailers sent to high-AD-prevalence zip codes, using bold, clear messaging to connect participants to resources and services. Key lessons learned include the importance of accessible outreach methods to ensure community participation and the integration of culturally relevant activities, such as art classes, to engage older adults. Though the program is in its early stages, preliminary responses indicate significant interest from community partners and possible participants, and the potential to reduce social isolation while enhancing mental and emotional well-being of older adults.
Partners: The campaign will collaborate with local stakeholders and organizations, including Healthy Communities of Brownsville, which will assist in identifying areas of high need. Revival of Cultural Arts (ROCA) and Brownsville Senior Center, will provide a venue for art classes and other planned activities, creating a community-centered hub for seniors. The Rio Grande Valley AD-RCMAR and the South Texas ADRC will supply research-based strategies and student volunteers to support the implementation and monitoring of program outcomes.[RP2]
Looking Ahead: The program is projected to create lasting benefits by reducing social isolation, enhancing cognitive engagement, and fostering a supportive community network for seniors and their families. Memoria Sin Fronteras will serve as a scalable model for Alzheimer’s prevention in underserved rural areas. Future steps include expanding the pilot program to offer additional therapeutic activities and securing long-term funding to establish a permanent geriatric center. The initiative aims to inspire similar programs nationwide, addressing health disparities.
