After decades in education, Dr. Linda Sasser uses science and faith to help older adults preserve memory and meaning.
For most of her life, Linda was fascinated by how people learn. Her journey began in a classroom, evolved through academic research, and ultimately led her to become a passionate advocate for brain health, especially for adults over 50.
“It started with an interest in memory,” Linda said. “I had been an elementary teacher and then entered graduate school to study educational psychology. When I took a course in cognitive psychology, I realized how important memory is in every aspect of our lives.”
That initial spark led Linda to focus her doctoral research on memory, a topic that would become central to her career and later, her mission in life. But it wasn’t until she took a sabbatical while teaching at a Christian college that her focus shifted toward understanding how memory changes as people age.
“I was curious about what happens to memory as we get older,” she explained. “With Alzheimer’s and dementia on the rise, not just in the U.S. but globally, I wanted to know what we could do about it.”
What Linda discovered changed the trajectory of her work and her life.
Research meets real life
Through her research, Linda found that memory loss isn’t always inevitable.
“A lot of what happens to our brains as we age is not due to genetics,” she said. “Lifestyle behaviors play a huge role.”
As she dove deeper into the science, Linda became determined to share what she was learning with everyday people – especially those in midlife and beyond.
“So many people over 50 are part of what researchers call the ‘worried well,’” Linda said. “They’re functioning fine but begin to worry because they’ve had a few memory slips, especially if they’ve seen a loved one suffer from dementia.”
Linda’s mission became clear: educate people on what’s normal, what’s not and how they can take control of their brain health.
“There are things that cause memory issues that have nothing to do with Alzheimer’s,” she explained. “Sleep apnea, depression and medication side effects can all affect memory. But people don’t always know that.”
To make the science more accessible, Linda created the easy-to-remember acronym SENSE, which later became the foundation for her public speaking and her book, “Brain Sense: A Guide and Workbook to Keep Your Mind and Memory Sharp.”
Making SENSE of brain health
The SENSE framework covers five key pillars of brain health:
- Socialization – “Research shows staying socially connected is crucial,” Linda said. “The pandemic was especially hard on older adults because isolation can really hurt brain function.”
- Exercise – “We need good blood flow to the brain to deliver oxygen and nutrients,” she explained. “That’s why regular movement is so important.”
- Nutrition – “We always heard ‘eat right for your heart,’ but you also need to eat right for your brain,” she noted. “Hydration and gut health are connected to how well your brain works.”
- Sleep and Spirituality – “Restorative sleep is vital,” Linda said. “Without enough deep sleep, your brain can’t form or retain memories. And spirituality, having meaning and purpose, contributes to better health and longevity.”
- Education – “We have to keep learning new things to build new neural pathways,” she added. “Our brains love routine, but growth comes from challenge.”
Linda’s holistic approach resonates with her audiences, many of whom are navigating retirement, caregiving or their own health challenges.
“The goal is to help people stay sharp, vibrant, and purpose-driven as they age,” she said.
From professor to public speaker
Linda’s transition from academia to community outreach was almost serendipitous. After completing her sabbatical research, she taught an informal memory class at a nearby retirement community. The demand quickly outpaced expectations.
“They had 40 seats, but 100 people signed up,” she recalled. “So they moved me to the auditorium, and I taught six lectures there.”
Encouraged by the response, Linda developed a full 10-week curriculum called “BE! Brain Enrichment,” which includes a facilitator guide and participant workbooks. Designed for adults who want to maintain and improve cognitive health, the course has been used by churches, community centers and retirement communities across the country.
“People felt like they were benefiting from it,” Linda said. “That’s when I realized I couldn’t be everywhere to teach it myself, so I created materials others could use.”
Even so, she admits she’s more educator than entrepreneur.
“I’m not a great business person,” she explained. “I built the website and published the materials, but I haven’t really marketed it much. I rely on word of mouth and divine appointments.”
A teacher at heart
Despite moving on from full-time academia, Linda never stopped teaching. Her passion for helping others learn – especially older adults – runs deep.
“I love breaking down complex research into layman’s terms,” she said. “It’s so rewarding to see the lightbulb go on when someone realizes they can take control of their brain health.”
Today, Linda speaks regularly at senior living communities and churches, though she’d love more opportunities to speak locally near her Arizona home.
“Most of my invitations still come from out-of-state,” she said. “I’d be thrilled to do more events in my own backyard.”
Her talks aren’t just educational, they’re empowering.
“When people understand how much they can do to protect their brain, it gives them hope,” she said.
Faith, fellowship and fulfillment
Linda’s passion for aging well extends beyond brain health. At her church, she co-founded a group for older adults that meets monthly for food, fellowship and fun. She hopes to eventually expand the group to include service projects and mentoring.
“Senior adults have so much wisdom and experience,” she said. “We want to help people stay engaged, not just with their peers but intergenerationally.”
Living in an active adult community with her husband, Cary, Linda models what she teaches. She exercises daily by walking, biking and going to the gym. She also stays socially and intellectually engaged.
“I’m grateful for good health,” she said. “And I love that I can keep learning and share what I learn with others.”
Her faith, which guided her throughout her career at Christian colleges like Wheaton and Judson University, continues to ground her purpose today.
“I think God orchestrated a lot of the steps in my journey,” she said. “From moving to Colorado to meet my husband, to getting invited to teach at Judson through a random wedding seating arrangement, there have been so many divine appointments.”
A legacy of learning
Though she has no immediate plans to write a second book, Linda feels a strong sense of purpose in her work. Her current mission is to get the word out to churches, retirement centers, and communities that aging doesn’t mean decline.
“There’s so much people can do to stay sharp and connected,” she said. “We just need to share the tools and encouragement.”
Linda is available to speak to groups looking for practical, science-based strategies to maintain memory and mental clarity.
“The brain is our most important organ,” she said. “It deserves our care and attention – especially in the second half of life.”
For more information
People can connect with Linda in a variety of ways, including:
- Website = www.brainandmemoryhealth.com
- Email = brainandmemoryhealth @ gmail.com
- LinkedIn = www.linkedin.com/in/drlindasasser
Linda’s book, “Brain Sense: A Guide and Workbook to Keep Your Mind and Memory Sharp,” is available on Amazon and in other bookstores. More information about Linda’s “BE! Brain Enrichment” course is available by emailing her at brainandmemoryhealth @ gmail.com.
If you order Linda’s book on Amazon from a link above, Forward From 50 may received a small commission at no extra cost to you.

After closing his business and enduring several painful years of uncertainty regarding what to do with his life, Greg founded Forward From 50 to help men and women over 50 to live more purposeful lives by pursuing things they are passionate about. A Wisconsin native, Greg currently lives in Arizona.