Is there a way out of the loneliness of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and aphasia and into the comfort of a shared humanity? Can ideas come alive when words fail and the aging brain be fortified to meet the challenges of stress, depression, and frustration?

Chew On This: Food For Thought lunch-and-learn series returns to The Campanile auditorium Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. for a groundbreaking discussion on the arts and aging.

The Arts and Aging will explore how arts immersion may help combat the effects of strokes, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, can turn music dabblers into auditory motor super-athletes, promotes therapeutic relaxation, and nurtures communication and understanding. The program, which is free to attend and open to the public, investigates leading scientific research presented to the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Institutes of Health and the National Academy of Sciences. The program also specifically focuses on local resources in the Lakeland community.

“Because of our unique demographic in the Lakeland area, this is an important conversation for us to have. Many residents are responsible for loved ones who are afflicted by complex, hard-to-treat challenges,” Christina Myers, Chew On This Program Chairperson, said. “Knowledge and tools to help ease that burden and provide solutions for living well is crucial.”

In a moderated discussion with opportunities for attendee participation, The Arts and Aging will consider “Between Music and Medicine” an online talk from violinist and mental health advocate Robert Gupta; examine former congresswoman Gabby Giffords’ use of music therapy to regain speech following an assassination attempt; tackle academic research on music and memory; explore how artists use their craft to enhance their lives; and investigate locally available resources.

Panel participants include Dianne Jacobson, Director of the Oneida County Department on Aging; Julie St. Pierre, Outreach Specialist for the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Wisconsin chapter; Kerry Bloedorn, musician, EMT-B, and CNA with Helping Hands; and award-winning fabric artist Rene Iannarelli of the Lakeland Art League.

Chew On This encourages attendees to bring their lunch to the program or order from one of our monthly cafe partners.

For more information, check out the Campanile’s website, www.campanilecenter.org, or call the Center at 715/356-9700. For questions or suggestions about the series, contact the Campanile. The lunchtime series is free to the public. The Campanile Center for the Arts is located in downtown Minocqua on Milwaukee St. one block west of Oneida St. (Hwy 51).