Deborah Watman, BA, MPH

Deborah received her BA in Urban Studies and Biology from the Macaulay Honors College, and a Masters in Public Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Deborah has a deep interest in public health and research  especially as it relates to dementia care. Her published research has explored family caregiver perspectives on the caregiving role and the impact of paid caregivers in home-based dementia care. Deborah is passionate about community health initiatives and has volunteered with The Foundation for Art & Healing and Dorot to foster creativity and connection through mindfulness and artistic expression.  

 

“As a Cognitive Enrichment Specialist with MindSense, I love being able to make a direct impact on improving the quality of lives for those elders who are feeling isolated or who are living with the challenges of dementia. Research from the National Institute on Aging has shown that prolonged social isolation carries the equivalent health risk of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. As a public health advocate in the aging space, I so appreciate being able to guide and educate families and caregivers on the importance of connection and enrichment and witness first hand the powerful effects that targeted, meaningful engagement experiences can bring to enhance the lives our vulnerable elders”.