The brain that trains itself
Yu-Lung Chan
Harriet Downing
Paige Stimpson
Public interest
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqsqX0QKiRI
Issues
• Evidence (measurement, participants,
longevity, generalisation, etc.)
• Definitions
– Brain training aims to maximise normal cognitive
function in the healthy population (e.g. “worried
well”)
– Cognitive rehabilitation aims to remediate
cognitive impairment/deficits (e.g. following
stroke/MVA)
Do no harm
• There is a need
• At present, there is no gold standard evidence
• Flexibility in considering a response
Response
• Similar issues identified by within division
MDT and cross-divisional staff of ACT Health
• Working group established
Goals of working group
• Provide cognitive rehabilitation to eligible
clients
• Collaborate to develop an ACT Health-wide
approach (consistent, cross-divisional and
multi-disciplinary)
• (Suggest cognitive training strategies in
management programs, where possible)
Issues to date
• Gold standard
• Need for research and evaluation
• Generic research methodology and implementation
issues
• Issues specific to cognitive rehabilitation
– Is research led by public or commercial interest?
– Cognitive domains (e.g. memory, attention, etc.)
– Client needs (e.g. diagnosis, inpatient/outpatient, age,
etc.)
– Associated issues (e.g. fatigue, motivation, etc.)
Plan of action
Brainstorming
Develop
database of
electronically
based
programs
Evaluate
Trial
Review
Next steps
Communicating with clients and carers
Staff issues (access to
current best practice and
ACT Health-wide position)
• Guidelines
Managing client
expectations
• Handouts and fact sheets
Current advice
•
•
•
•
•
•
Physical activity
Mental stimulation
Social engagement
Eat a healthy balanced diet
Avoid excessive alcohol and avoid smoking
See the GP for regular check-ups and to manage
blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar levels
and weight
• And...
• The most beneficial activities for cognitive health
may be those that combine physical, mental and
social engagement
• Valenzuela (2009) suggests things like sailing,
learning a new language and dancing
• If you don’t like Sudoku, don’t punish yourself by
doing them, try an alternative!
Valenzuela, M. J. (2009). Maintain your brain: What you can do to
improve your brain’s health and avoid dementia. Harper Collins,
Australia
Questions?