At The Center for Longevity of the Brain we offer a comprehensive assessment in a treatment program for memory-impaired individuals, including anyone with mild cognitive impairment or mild to moderate dementia. Since there are different causes for dementia it is essential to establish the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Our Step-By-Step Center for Longevity of the Brain Program focuses on the person with individualized memory enhancing programs to accommodate you in whatever stage of life you are in.
The components include the appropriate nutrition, mental and physical activities, medications, vitamins, supplements and stress reduction living.
Our 16 week Cognitive Training Program will enhance the stimulation of new brain cells, which ultimately will make your brain work better. You will be taught a home program to help continue your brain stimulation. Regular checkups will be provided in order for you to continue fine-tuning your brain circuits.
STEP 1
Neurological Consultation and Evaluation
Following a comprehensive medical examination and neurological assessment, we will determine the current state of your brain and create a plan of action. This includes a full history and examination. Sophisticated brain imaging, cognitive, physiological and laboratory testing would complete the workup.
STEP 2
Customized Cognitive Rehabilitation Program
Each individual with a memory problem has his or her own set of medical issues, circumstances and values. Although there is a "core" treatment plan, we address other medical issues that can affect the brain, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, vitamin deficiencies and other medical problems. Both Western and Eastern medicine techniques are available in our holistic approach.
The Center for Longevity of the Brain offers a full lifestyle program for patients that include pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. The key ingredient in our program is an enriched environment that will benefit the patient both physically and mentally. Our program focuses on a "whole body" approach that will help empower you to take charge of your health and well-being.
Caregiver Management is also an essential part of our program. We understand the pressures and struggles of being a caretaker to a loved one. The days and nights can be endless, and the burdens can be overwhelming. In addition, our Geriatric-Certified social worker can provide assessments of your particular needs at any time, either in our office or at your home.
STEP 3
A multi-disciplinary approach to brain health
Nutrition
Weight management and good nutrition are both essential to overall wellness. Recent research proves that a poor diet contributes to brain cell damage. Consequently, we teach all of our patients to follow a healthy brain diet, which means low-fat, and low-cholesterol with high antioxidant foods that are beneficial to the brain. The Mediterranean diet is the pinnacle of our nutritional program.
Stress Management
Cortisol, a key component of the stress response, is continually released during times of high stress. Extensive periods of stress can increase the rate of nerve cell death and limit new nerve cell growth. Learning health techniques to limit excess anxiety and tension is key to protecting the brain from excess stress-induced brain erosion.
Meditation is one of several techniques to foster inner peace and relaxation to ultimately improve attention, strengthen the immune system, reduce stress and lower blood pressure. The Chinese art of Qi Gong provides numerous exercises for mental and physical calming. Certain breathing techniques can also reduce stress, lower blood pressure and increase attention.
Proper Medication
Medication is often necessary in the treatment of cognitive decline. Certain important medications for various medical conditions can adversely affect the brain. There are a number of well-established medicines that can help slow mental deterioration. Many others are being developed and researched.
Certain dietary supplements are safe and helpful while others can produce unexpected side effects or interactions with other pharmacologic treatments. Because most herbal remedies are not regulated and certain herbal brands are of inferior quality, proper physician guidance in choosing vitamins and supplements is essential.
Physical Exercise
Regular exercise is important not only for the body but also the brain. Recent research revealed that certain types of cardiovascular exercises improve the growth of new brain cells. In particular, the new formed brain cells are in the memory parts of the brain. New neurons can sprout and establish new connections with other neurons specifically in the brain areas associated with learning and memory. More amazingly, the neuroplasticity of the brain cells can even occur in 90-year-old people.
Mental Exercise
We know that the brain is built to change in response to training. Cognitive stimulation improves mental functioning. Tasks performed to improve mental function, such as computer-based games or other forms of mental calisthenics slow down age-related mental decline and help older people continue to perform daily activities. Lessons in memory retention, reasoning skills, and mental speed can improve brain power for over five years after special training. Playing board games, doing crossword puzzles and other mindful activities can help strengthen brain circuits.
Psychological Therapy
The strains and pressures of life exist for all of us. Those individuals with memory or other cognitive problems experience additional worries and concerns about the present and future. Often psychological support is necessary in these difficult times.
STEP 4
Customized Cognitive Rehabilitation Program
At The Center for Longevity of the Brain we offer a comprehensive assessment in treatment program per memory impaired individuals, including anyone with mild cognitive impairment or mild to moderate dementia. Since there are different causes for dementia, it is essential to establish the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Our 10 Step Center for Longevity of the Brain Program focuses on the person with individualized memory enhancing programs to accommodate you in whatever stage of life you are in. The components include the appropriate nutrition, mental and physical activities, medications, vitamins, supplements and stress reduction living. Our 16-week Cognitive Training Program will enhance the stimulation of new brain cells, which ultimately will make your brain work better. You will be taught a home program to help continue your brain stimulation. Regular checkups will be provided in order for you to continue fine-tuning your brain circuits.