1. The brain that trains itself Yu-Lung Chan Harriet Downing Paige Stimpson

2. Public interest http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqsqX0QKiRI

3. 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)

4. Do no harm There is a need At present, there is no gold standard evidence Flexibility in considering a response

5. Response Similar issues identified by within division MDT and cross-divisional staff of ACT Health Working group established

6. 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)

7. 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.)

8. Plan of action Brainstorming Develop database of electronically based programs EvaluateTrialReviewNext steps

9. 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

10. 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...

11. 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

12. Questions?