Vi at La Jolla Village Brings Brain Health to the Table Through MIND Diet Programming
SAN DIEGO, Calif.– September 2026 – Vi at La Jolla Village is expanding its commitment to cognitive vitality with a day of brain-healthy dining, education and social connection on Thursday, September 24. The programming will help residents and their families translate emerging brain-health research into practical—and enjoyable—everyday choices.
The day will feature interactive culinary experiences led by Vi Chef Jiomar Diaz and the community’s Food & Beverage team, along with educational insights from registered dietitian and MIND Diet author Maggie Moon, MS, RD.
The MIND Diet combines elements of the Mediterranean and DASH diets and emphasizes foods associated with cognitive and cardiovascular health, including leafy green vegetables, berries, nuts, whole grains, fish and olive oil.
“Brain health is a significant priority for our residents and an important focus of our well-being programming,” said Mellany Hanson, Lifestyle Director at Vi at La Jolla Village. “Our goal is to make the science understandable, practical and engaging. By bringing together nutrition education, culinary creativity and social connection, we can show residents that supporting brain health can also be delicious and fun.”
The September 24 programs build upon Vi at La Jolla Village’s ongoing Cognitive Vitality Program, which supports AARP’s six pillars of brain health through physical activity, nutritious dining, cognitive challenge, social engagement, stress management and sleep. The initiative also includes the community’s innovative Brain Vitality Studio, where residents can participate in interactive activities that combine physical movement with cognitive training.
Vi residents recently completed a four-part virtual class, The MIND Diet Journey: Four Weeks to a Healthier Brain, presented by Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Vi at La Jolla Village’s brain-health partner. The Zoom-based series gave residents a deeper understanding of the MIND Diet and practical strategies for incorporating its principles into their daily lives. The September 24 programming continues that learning by bringing the concepts to life through cooking, tasting and conversation.
At 3 p.m., residents will gather for Brain Food in Action: A MIND Diet Cooking Demo. Chef Jiomar Diaz will lead an interactive demonstration assisted by two Vi residents. Chef Diaz will explain the cooking techniques and ingredients while Moon provides additional nutritional context. Attendees will sample the completed dish, and the one-hour program will conclude with a question-and-answer session.
The day will culminate at 5:30 p.m. with Vi’s Connection and Community Reception, a gathering for residents, families and friends. The evening will explore research into how multiple healthy lifestyle behaviors—including nutrition, physical activity, cognitive stimulation, social engagement and cardiovascular risk management—may help support cognitive function as people age.
The presentation will include findings from the Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability, known as the FINGER trial, and the Alzheimer’s Association’s U.S. POINTER study. These studies examined multidomain lifestyle approaches for older adults at increased risk for cognitive decline.
Throughout the evening, Vi team members will serve four brain-healthy appetizers developed and prepared by the community’s culinary team. Each selection will demonstrate how familiar, flavorful ingredients can support both brain and heart health.
The event reflects Vi at La Jolla Village’s broader Vista approach to well-being, which creates meaningful opportunities for residents to strengthen their physical, cognitive and social health. By integrating current research with dining, fitness, education and community engagement, Vi helps residents make informed choices that support independence and quality of life.
For more information, please visit: https://www.viliving.com/locations/ca/san-diego-la-jolla
About Vi at La Jolla Village
Vi at La Jolla Village is a continuing care retirement community in San Diego offering independent living, assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing care. Through innovative wellness, fitness, educational, social and culinary programming, the community supports residents in pursuing vibrant, engaged and purposeful lives.
About Vi
With more than 30 years of experience, Vi Senior Living operates 10 continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) across the United States. Blending the best of a five-star resort lifestyle with senior living, Vi communities provide residents with independent living as well as a continuum of care on-site, including assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing. As a distinct portfolio of its owner, LCS, Vi is committed to creating high-quality environments, services, and programs that enrich the lives of those they serve. For more information, visit ViLiving.com.
Media Contacts
Murphy O’Brien, Inc.
vi@murphyobrien.com
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