Company Focuses on Innovative Strategies to Improve Brain Health for Residents BRENTWOOD, Tenn., March 3, 2015 -  With Americans becoming ever more concerned about the health of their brains, the nation's largest senior living provider has appointed an expert to broaden its cognitive fitness programs. Dr. Paul Nussbaum, Ph.D., A.B.P.P., a board-certified psychologist specializing in neuropsychology, has been named national director of brain health for Brookdale. The company, which operates nearly 1,150 senior living communities in 46 states, is also America's largest provider of Alzheimer's and dementia care.

Nearly three-quarters of adults are concerned their memory may worsen as they age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Americans are two times more afraid of losing their mental capacity than their physical capacity as they grow older.

"These statistics back up what we are hearing from the public," said Chris Hyatt, Brookdale executive vice president, operations support.  "There is growing concern about brain health and people are interested in doing all they can to protect and improve memory skills. We're excited that Dr. Nussbaum has come aboard to expand our programming in this particular area of importance."

According to Dr. Nussbaum, it is possible to boost cognitive heath and to potentially slow memory loss regardless of age. "Exercise, nutrition, engaging in novel and complex mental challenges, socialization, and spirituality all have a role in brain health and will be key to Brookdale's programs," he said.

Dr. Nussbaum is a Fellow of the National Academy of Neuropsychology and American Academy of Clinical Psychology. He serves as an adjunct professor of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and is the author of "Save Your Brain." Dr. Nussbaum previously served as national director of brain health for Emeritus Senior Living, with which Brookdale merged in 2014.

Contact: Kristin Puckett, 615-564-8481, kpuckett@brookdale.com

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Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is the leading operator of senior living communities throughout the United States. The Company is committed to providing senior living solutions within properties that are designed, purpose-built and operated to provide the highest-quality service, care and living accommodations for residents. Currently Brookdale operates independent living, assisted living, and dementia-care communities and continuing care retirement centers, with approximately 1,150 communities in 46 states and the ability to serve approximately 111,000 residents. Through its ancillary services programs, the Company also offers a range of outpatient therapy, home health, personalized living and hospice services.

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