Whether it's remembering conversations, speaking, or making decisions, interacting with the world around us takes the help of different cognitive functions, such as learning and memory, language, and executive function (1). As we age, it’s normal to experience slight cognitive declines like not being able to process information as quickly. However, outside of normal aging, some folks develop modest to severe cognitive declines associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia, respectively. The declines related to MCI are more noticeable than those seen with normal aging and may result in greater effort and time needed to complete tasks, while the declines related to dementia interfere with our ability to independently function in our daily lives (1-3).
Given the critical role our cognitive health plays in performing daily tasks and maintaining independence – a key priority for older adults – improving our understanding of brain health becomes a “no brainer” (1-4).
The McMaster Optimal Aging Portal has developed several interactive e-learning lessons that tackle different topics related to brain health. These include lessons on mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and how to promote overall brain health (1-3;5-8). Click on the links or subheadings below to learn more about each lesson and get started.
1. What is Mild Cognitive Impairment?
In just 15 minutes, this lesson explains what MCI is and helps you explore how it differs from normal aging and dementia, its causes, how it’s diagnosed, treatment options and management strategies, and what to do if you receive an MCI diagnosis (3).
2. Dementia
Through a series of six individual lessons, each lasting just 12-25 minutes, learn what dementia is and explore causes, types and stages, management of cognitive, behavioural, emotional and psychiatric symptoms, disease modification strategies to address underlying causes, and trouble swallowing (aka dysphagia). Caregivers can also find information on home and community supports, as well as their own wellness (1-3;5-7).
3. How to Promote Brain Health
In just 30 minutes, this lesson walks you through six ways to promote brain health and reduce your risk of developing dementia. Learn how to manage contributing factors like physical activity and weight management, diet and nutrition, smoking and alcohol use, brain and social activity, and other health conditions and drug side effects (8).
Accessing Dementia Supports
In addition to maintaining and improving our brain health, it’s helpful to know where to access resources when we or a loved one we are a caregiver for are living with dementia. Here are a few resources to consider:
- Consult with your healthcare team, they can help answer questions, update treatment plans, and provide referrals to additional supports.
- Visit the Government of Canada's website to learn about the national dementia strategy and access links to dementia-related programs and services across the country categorized by area.
- Visit the Alzheimer Society of Canada's website for information on support programs, dementia education and resources, referral services, and more.
