CogMax: A Healthy Brain Ageing cognitive training and psychoeducation program for older adults.

CogMax is a ten-week psychoeducation and cognitive training program targeting common cognitive concerns experienced by many older adults, as well as modifiable risk factors for dementia. Based on previously published work reporting outcomes from a group-based multifaceted Healthy Brain Ageing intervention program (for example, see Diamond et al., 2015, J Alz Dis; Naismith et al., 2011, Am J Geriatr Psychiatry; Mowszowski et al., 2014, J Alz Dis); we now seek to evaluate an adapted version of the program for completion on a one-to-one basis or independently, which will enable a broader group of older people to access the intervention. The program has been adapted to a structured workbook format, with topics arranged into five core ‘cognitive’ modules and five health/psychosocial/lifestyle modules addressing risk factors for dementia. Each module will provide participants with education and practical instruction on a variety of strategies targeting cognition, mood disturbance, and medical or lifestyle factors known to affect cognition and psychosocial wellbeing. All participants will complete a total of 10-weekly modules over the course of the intervention period. Ideally, this period will therefore last 10-weeks; however, if needed, the 10 modules may be completed over a maximum of 12-weeks, to allow for some flexibility in the event of pre-existing travel plans or unanticipated changes in availability (e.g. due to illness). The modules include: 1. Introduction to the Brain and Cognitive Changes in Ageing, including Goal Setting 2. Introduction to Learning and Memory 3. External Memory Strategies 4. Internal Memory Strategies 5. Executive Functions 6. Vascular Risk Factors 7. Diet and Exercise 8. Sleep Habits and Sleep Quality 9. Depression and Anxiety 10. Behavioural and Psychological Strategies for Wellbeing Therapist-facilitated condition: Participants allocated to the facilitated condition will attend the Brain and Mind Centre (BMC) in Sydney, Australia, once a week at a mutually agreed time to meet with a trained neuropsychologist or closely supervised postgraduate neuropsychology student, for one hour. During these one-on-one sessions, participants will complete one module from the workbook, starting with Module 1 (Introduction to the Brain and Cognitive Changes in Ageing). The neuropsychologist will work through the psychoeducation material and cognitive strategies with the participant, to actively facilitate and maximise optimal comprehension and applicability to their individual circumstances, using personalised examples. Additionally, the neuropsychologist will utilise clinical techniques such as collaborative goal-setting and motivational interviewing to identify the most clinically relevant issues for each individual. With this information, the therapist may recommend that the participant complete the modules in a different order to that set out in the workbook, to ensure optimal engagement and the ability to address critical or significant issues as a matter of priority. Each session, the therapist will also review the homework tasks completed by the participant following the previous session, to aid in the participant’s self-evaluation of their progress and address any barriers to meeting their goals.