Rationale and design of a multidomain lifestyle program for mild cognitive impairment

The development of non-pharmacological treatment approaches is supported by evidence that addressing key modifiable risk factors may prevent or delay up to 45% of dementia cases. The Charlie and Harriet Shaffer Cognitive Empowerment Program (CEP) was developed to address current gaps in access to, and evidence for, interventions that reduce lifestyle risk factors and improve quality of life in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Co-designed with patients and families, clinicians, researchers, and industry professionals, the CEP is situated in a conceptual framework that guides assessments and interventions/supports to holistically address the experience of living with MCI. CEP comprises four cores (Therapeutic Programs, Technology, Built Environment, and Innovation Accelerator) that map to the conceptual framework. We contend that our approach provides an opportunity to contribute to the evidence base for multidomain lifestyle programs and gain a deeper understanding of MCI and how individuals can be empowered to manage it. HIGHLIGHTS: The cognitive empowerment program (CEP) is a multidomain lifestyle program that was developed using a co-design process and a conceptual framework that holistically addresses the experience of living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). CEP provides comprehensive assessment and intervention/support through four cores that map to the conceptual framework: therapeutic programs, technology, built environment and research innovation. CEP's unique approach provides an opportunity to build the evidence base for multidomain lifestyle interventions and to develop and refine lifestyle biomarkers that can be used for early detection of MCI, tracking of disease progression, and objective measurement of the impact of lifestyle interventions.