Chadd Cawson column: Brain health equals brain wealth
Published 11:45 am Saturday, January 10, 2026
Brain health, is brain wealth.
You may think you are sharp as a tack, but a brain assessment through Brain on Wheels Rehab Society will keep you on your toes and may just give you a reality check where your mind is really at, and why it matters. BOWRS executive director Chris Rafuse says that her goal this year is to let people know they are the only ones on the Island using this assessment. To help spread the word I put my brain to the test and it was not for the faint of heart, or mind as it gives your different brain regions a real workout.
The first step is to find the perfect space to complete it. I chose my work desk, which in hindsight I would not recommend. Instead this is one workout you will want to take home with you. Perhaps make yourself a cup of tea and get comfortable and allow yourself to be alert with no distractions.
Puzzles, and numbers, and patterns oh my!
Priding myself on my memory vault full of useless information and the ability to think quickly on my feet and do mental math, I thought I would pass it all with flying colours but instead was almost a little blue when my scores came back less than perfect.
Testing the various regions of the brain, assessment takers are tasked with remembering number and pattern sequences and racing the clock with picking out mismatched patterns, the odd one out, as well as some colourful word play that can also mess up the mind if both your head space as well as the space you take on the task in is less then peaceful; at least this was the case for me. One thing it showed me is that there is always room for improvement.
Rafuse is encouraging all seniors to get a “baseline” assessment for their brain regions which also checks their blood pressure, heartbeat, glucose, blood work, and more. To receive the link for your own brain assessment, email admin@brainonwheels.org, you can also visit brainonwheels.org where minds are empowered to thrive. Read up on the six pillars of the brain as well as all the programs and services that BOWRS has to offer.
February is Recreation Therapy month so keep your ears to the ground as Brain on Wheels will once again be driving another one of their informative and fun kitchen parties. Until then get cooking and complete your brain assessment today.