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Reducing Dementia Risk with the BrainSpan Program: : A Public Health Practice Vignette
Matthew L Cohen1,2,3,4, Kimberly Van Buren1,2,3,4, Mindy J Myers1,2,3,4
1University of Delaware Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders.
Delaware Journal of Public Health
|August 3, 2026
Summary
Dementia and mild cognitive impairment affect many older adults, but up to 45% of cases may be preventable. The BrainSpan program helps individuals adopt brain-healthy behaviors to improve cognitive function.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Approximately 33% of Delawareans aged 65+ experience dementia or mild cognitive impairment.
- While a cure is unavailable, disease-modifying treatments exist, and up to 45% of dementia cases are potentially preventable.
- Modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline are often linked to lifestyle behaviors like nutrition, physical activity, medication adherence, and hearing aid use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the implementation of the BrainSpan program, a six-session intervention designed to educate midlife and older adults on brain health.
- To assess the program's effectiveness in enhancing motivation and resources for adopting brain-healthy behaviors.
- To explore potential next steps for scaling and refining brain health lifestyle interventions.
Main Methods:
- The BrainSpan program consists of six sessions focused on brain health education.
- Interventions emphasize building participant motivation and resources for behavior change.
- The program has been implemented in ten cohorts totaling 158 participants in and around Delaware since 2023.
Main Results:
- The BrainSpan program has successfully completed implementation across multiple cohorts.
- Participant engagement and completion rates indicate feasibility in real-world settings.
- Qualitative and quantitative outcomes regarding behavior change and motivation are anticipated.
Conclusions:
- Brain health lifestyle interventions require a person-centered approach addressing capabilities, opportunities, and motivation.
- The BrainSpan program demonstrates a viable model for promoting cognitive health in older adults.
- Further research and implementation are needed to optimize the impact of such programs on dementia prevention.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Dementia l: Introduction
Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...
01:30Dementia
Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.