Our Mission
POD Fitness is an exercise program for individuals living with brain change and their care partners.
The goal of this program is to maximize independence in activities of daily living for each participant by increasing or maintaining strength, balance, flexibility, and cognitive ability for as long as possible. POD Fitness will additionally work to promote community among the participants and their caregivers in an inclusive and loving environment.
What do you mean by "brain change"?
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anyone diagnosed with a form of dementia. This includes, but is not limited to, Alzheimer's disease, Frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and mixed dementia. There are over 100 diseases and conditions that can cause dementia and they can impact the brain in different ways. All forms are welcome.
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anyone diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This term is used when there are changes in thinking that have not met the threshold to be called a dementia. The National Institute of Aging defines dementia as "the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, and reasoning — to such an extent that it interferes with a person's daily life and activities." One may have cognitive changes but still be able to manage their daily life and activities and this is called MCI.
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anyone noticing changes in their thinking or memory, but without a formal diagnosis. If you are not already exercising and socializing please reach out to determine if our program might be right for you. If you notice brain changes it is important to see a doctor to rule out other potential causes of cognitive decline. Depression, certain vitamin deficiencies, medication interactions/side effects, have all been linked to cognitive decline and are treatable. Having said that, getting into a doctor and establishing a formal diagnosis can take time. Each situation is unique and worth a conversation since exercise has so many health benefits.
Dementia and MCI are NOT a normal part of aging.
Shawn Rohrbach-Kim, MS, OT
Our Founder
Shawn is a licensed occupational therapist in the state of Indiana. She spent the majority of her 25+ year career working in a hospital based outpatient setting where she particularly enjoyed working with her senior clients. She holds a Masters degree in OT from Washington University in St. Louis, is a Certified Geriatric Care Professional and has speciality certification in upper extremity rehabilitation. Above all she is a lifelong learner striving to build a program using industry and research proven best practices in dementia care.
The Inspiration
Every new idea begins with a little inspiration. In this case the inspiration for Power Over Dementia Fitness came from the Parkinson's community. Our founder Shawn began volunteering with two programs designed for people living with Parkinson's disease. One is called Rock Steady Boxing and the other is a program from the Indiana Parkinson's Foundation called The Climb. Both work to improve the quality of life for their participants living with Parkinson's disease through exercise. This is because exercise is considered an effective "medicine" for managing some of the symptoms caused by Parkinson's disease. One day as a new volunteer at Rock Steady Boxing she found herself surrounded by several athletes who politely asked if she had Parkinson's disease. Shawn was confused at first, and then realized they were asking because they were ready to provide her emotional support. Wow!
But what resources are available for more than 7 million Americans living with dementia? The sad fact is very little programming exists, especially early in the disease. Researchers are working hard to create better medications that will slow the course of Alzheimer's disease, one form of dementia. This is progress, but we are very far from a cure. Much more is needed for those families living with dementia right here, right now. Frustrated by what she saw, Shawn got to work. She combined what she learned from years working as an occupational therapist in a traditional hospital setting, with all the great things you can do in a community based program.
She spent the first 8 months developing the program and running classes free of charge at her church. During that time she discovered what works, and what doesn't. She recruited and trained big hearted volunteers. POD Fitness turned into a little family that not only exercised together, but supported each other through the ups and downs of dementia.
Shawn connected with the leaders at Heartland Church who graciously opened their beautiful doors to the program in October 2023. Being at Heartland has been a blessing and allowed the program to grow.