Self-Management Program for Brain Health

Purpose: While developing dementia may be unavoidable, various factors contribute to its onset including lifestyle choices. The purpose of this study is to implement a program supporting lifestyle changes to improve brain health and cognitive functioning with hopes of preventing or delaying dementia. Methods: Health coaching, education and targeted assessments with feedback will be used to provide a personalized approach to addressing brain health. Inclusion criteria: ≥ 18 years old without dementia or uncontrolled psychiatric illness. Participants can choose to receive health coaching through a digital tool or in-person. They will complete assessments for each of the pillars of Brain Health: Diet, Exercise, Social Engagement, Cognitive Activity, Sleep, Mindfulness & Outlook, and General Health. Demographics, motivation to change and cognitive status will also be assessed. Health coaching will last 3 months with assessments for the pillars given 3 months before starting, at the start, at the end, and 3 months after completion. We will evaluate scores for each assessment at various points in time for improvement or other trends. Results: This program is in the beginning stages of implementation. Conclusion: This self-management program intends to promote lifestyle changes that will reduce the risk of developing dementia. If individuals make improvements in the seven pillars, they can expect optimization of cognitive functioning and risk reduction for developing dementia. Clinical implications include the development of an evidence-based program for addressing risk factors for dementia with potential for preventing or delaying its onset.