Dementia Risk: Positive Program Results for Seniors
- A psychosocial educational intervention targeting dementia risk factors may offer a proactive approach to brain health, according to a speaker at the American Psychiatric Association Annual meeting.
- Cohen, PhD, an associate professor at the University of Delaware, highlighted the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors for dementia, such as education, throughout life.
- Cohen cited research indicating that addressing 14 modifiable risk factors could potentially delay or prevent up to 45% of dementia cases.
A proactive approach to brain health shows real promise, as a brain health education program demonstrates positive results for seniors. This program, highlighted at the American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting, focuses on modifiable risk factors to possibly delay or prevent dementia cases. the educational intervention, called BRAIN-WISE, centers on brain wellness topics, fostering habits through group sessions and individual reflection, incorporating discussions on diet, exercise, cognitive strategies, and stress management.news Directory 3 is following the emerging research that shows participant satisfaction and a preference for in-person support, making this a promising avenue for promoting brain health. Discover what’s next as researchers explore long-term outcomes and potential expansion of this innovative program.
Brain Health Education Shows Promise in Dementia Risk Reduction
Updated May 29, 2025
A psychosocial educational intervention targeting dementia risk factors may offer a proactive approach to brain health, according to a speaker at the American Psychiatric Association Annual meeting.
Data were derived from Cohen ML,et al. preventive non-pharmacological interventions. Presented at: American Psychiatric Association Annual meeting; May 17-21,2025; Los angeles.
Matthew L. Cohen, PhD, an associate professor at the University of Delaware, highlighted the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors for dementia, such as education, throughout life.
Cohen cited research indicating that addressing 14 modifiable risk factors could potentially delay or prevent up to 45% of dementia cases. These factors span across early, mid, and late life.
To tackle these factors, Cohen and his team developed the Brain Wellness Education, Support and Empowerment (BRAIN-WISE) protocol. This program brings together groups of 20 to 30 individuals for weekly sessions over six weeks.
The groups, ofen formed from existing communities, are further divided into smaller discussion groups led by graduate students using motivational interviewing techniques.
Each session focuses on a specific aspect of brain health, including discussions with primary care providers, diet, exercise, hearing, memory and cognition strategies, and stress management.
Participants receive workbooks with presentation slides and space for personal reflection and goal setting.Optional screenings for cognition and hearing are also offered.
the program’s sessions cover topics such as understanding cognitive aging, the importance of physical activity (recommending 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week), and the MIND diet, which combines elements of the Mediterranean and DASH diets.
The program also addresses hearing health, highlighting that unaddressed hearing loss accounts for an estimated 7% of all-cause dementia cases. Memory aids, sleep hygiene, and stress management are also discussed.
Cohen emphasized the importance of turning education and goal setting into habits, fostering a supportive environment where participants feel pleasant sharing their experiences and worries.
Initial data from over 200 participants showed strong satisfaction,with most respondents agreeing that the program was worthwhile,the session length was appropriate,and the content was beneficial. Participants also favored one-on-one sessions over online options.
Cohen believes that the program’s active components can positively influence psychological targets,leading to healthier behaviors and ultimately reducing dementia risk.
“We believe that through these active ingredients, it will affect some of these psychological targets, which in turn will hopefully lead to changes in health behaviors, medical interventions that are needed,” Cohen said, “which will ultimately reduce dementia risk.”
What’s next
Future research will focus on long-term outcomes and broader implementation of the BRAIN-WISE protocol to further validate its effectiveness in dementia risk reduction and promoting overall brain wellness.