Reducing Dementia Risk with the BrainSpan Program: A Public Health Practice Vignette

Abstract

Approximately a third of Delawareans age 65 and older have dementia or mild cognitive impairment. Although a cure remains elusive, there is reason for optimism: disease-modifying treatments are now available, and as many as 45% of dementia cases may be preventable through sustained attention to modifiable risk factors across the lifespan. Most modifiable risk factors are addressed through behavior change, such as nutrition and physical activity, or depend on health behaviors, such as medication adherence or hearing aid use. Large U.S. and international trials of multidomain interventions show that older adults can improve cognitive test scores when they adhere to intervention components. To succeed in real-world settings, however, brain health lifestyle interventions must address patients’ capabilities, opportunities, and motivation for behavior change, including through person-centered goals. BrainSpan is a six-session program that educates midlife and older adults about brain health and helps them build motivation and resources to improve brain health behaviors. Since 2023, ten cohorts totaling 158 participants have completed BrainSpan in and around Delaware. This vignette describes BrainSpan’s implementation and potential next steps.