Engagement, risk profiles, and effects on cognitive function of older adults participating in a multidimensional educational intervention: The Brain Health Support Program

With the aging of the population in Canada, a growing number of older adults are suffering from severe memory problems such as Alzheimer's disease. These memory problems could be partly prevented by improving lifestyle habits, social environment, mental health and the health of blood vessels, vision and hearing. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, data are needed to measure the effectiveness of educational programs to be done remotely from home, using the internet, with the aim of reducing severe memory problems. My research project will consist of evaluating the effect of a distance educational program on memory and the ability to learn and speak. The decline in these abilities is among the first symptoms of severe memory problems. The program was designed by a team of recognized Canadian researchers from several disciplines. It will focus on the definition of memory problems, physical activity, intellectual activities, diet, sleep, social environment, mental health and the health of blood vessels, vision and hearing. Participants will be between the ages of 60 and 85 and recruited from 12 sites across Canada. They will follow this program remotely for one year, for 40 minutes per week. Several measurements will be taken throughout the project. This study will provide a better understanding of the importance of acting on several lifestyle habits and the health of older adults in order to increase the chances of delaying the onset of severe memory problems such as Alzheimer's disease. It will also evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program done completely remotely, which can be carried out during a pandemic and at low cost.