CogniWell Program
Introducing the Cogniwell Program Wellness Coach
The Cogniwell Program’s wellness coach is dedicated to serving as a partner, guide, and liaison for providers, Cognivue participants, and their caregivers as they navigate the Cognivue results. The Cogniwell platform makes evidence-based recommendations to help prevent, delay or stabilize brain health decline. Some of the recommendations discovered to have a tremendous effect on brain health are exercise, diet, increased socialization, and continued education through reading, puzzles, and applications, created to stimulate and challenge the brain.
The Cogniwell wellness coach is a free, additional resource that can provide answers and recommendations based on the Cognivue screening results. Providers and patients are encouraged to use this service to be further informed, educated, and aware of evidence-based recommendations available to help optimize brain health and overall quality of life.
Contact the wellness coach today to schedule a consultation!
wellness@cognivue.com
Understanding Cognition
Cognition is one of the most important functions of the brain. Cognition is a range of mental processes that allow us to acquire, store, manipulate, and retrieve information; exercise judgment; and behave appropriately… “It’s Who We Are”
We need cognition to help us understand information about the world around us and to interact safely and appropriately with others and with our environment.
Cognitive decline is a rising concern for people of all ages. What many people don’t realize is that symptoms related to memory, reasoning, language, attention, and other thought processes can be caused by underlying conditions that can be optimally treated or managed. Cognitive health is a key component of your overall brain health.
Underlying Causes That May Affect Cognitive Function
Cognitive impairment is not a normal part of aging, however aging becomes a risk factor if certain underlying conditions aren’t treated or managed properly and timely. It is important to note that not all cognitive issues progress to dementias (WHO 2019, CDC HBI 2018-2023). While there is no curative treatment for dementia, the proactive management of modifiable risk factors can delay or slow the onset or progression of the disease (WHO 2019). Some cognitive impairments may be reversible.
Examples of common underlying conditions that may affect your cognition:
- Unhealthy lifestyle (Ex. Unhealthy diet, obesity, lack of exercise, tobacco use, chronic alcohol abuse, substance abuse, chronic stress)
- Cardiovascular & metabolic conditions (Ex. Diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia)
- Neurological issues (Ex. Chronic depression and anxiety, post-stroke, concussion)
- Sleep disorders
- Hormonal changes
- Vision and hearing impairment
Clinical Profile
Our Clinical Profile is a more detailed list of underlying conditions most commonly associated with cognitive impairment.
Achieving Optimal Cognitive Health
By adopting a combination of key lifestyle habits and overall wellness, you have the power to optimize your cognitive health. Download our guide to achieving optimal health to learn more about how you can control medical risks, maintain social connections, exercise regularly, stay mentally fit, sleep and relax, and eat smart.
Several recent studies have shown a relationship between the development of cognitive impairment and dementia with lifestyle-related risk factors and certain medical conditions. There are evidence-based recommendations on managing these risk factors in order to delay or prevent cognitive decline and dementia (ADA 2019, WHO 2019, CDC HBI 2019-2023).
Control Medical Risks
You need a healthy body to have a healthy brain. It’s important to take control of any underlying medical conditions that could be putting you at an increased risk for cognitive decline. You should see your physician regularly, follow medical recommendations and take medications as prescribed.
Learn MoreStay Mentally Fit
Exercise your mind. Mental exercise is just as critical as physical exercise. You can activate your mind by reading books, playing games, doing puzzles, etc. Being a life-long learner andcontinuously challenging your mind can help you stay cognitively fit.
Maintain Social Connections
Stay connected and lead an active social life. Spending time with others and engaging in stimulating conversation is good for your cognition and overall wellness. Studies show that people who are active and engaged are also happier and healthier overall.
Sleep and Relax
Sleep well. Rest well. Relax well. Seems pretty easy, yet most of us are not getting the adequate amount of sleep each night. Listen to your body. Rest when you need to and find effective ways to manage your stress. See your physician if you have signs of sleep apnea or insomnia as studies have shown they can negatively impact your cognitive health.
Exercise Regularly
It has been shown that people who exercise regularly have a lower risk of cognitive decline. Exercise elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain which helps improve memory, enhances learning,mood and thinking.
Learn MoreEat Healthy
Eating a healthy, well balanced diet that is lower in fat and high in antioxidants is beneficial to your overall wellness and can also help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Since research on specific diets that improve your cognitive function are limited, we recommend consulting a nutritionist who will recommend a diet that’s right for you.
Learn MoreIdentify Issues Early
Routine testing and monitoring will eliminate your uncertainty about your cognitive health status, establish a baseline score and allow you to identify issues early and when it matters. Talk to your physician about routine screening. Empower yourself to improve your cognition and your overall quality of care and wellness.