Senior Brain Health News: Resources, Definitions, and Links Regarding Cognitive Health
Active Study
Senior Brain Health Program is inspired by the groundbreaking ACTIVE Study, which showed significant improvements in memory and reasoning for seniors.
Read more: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3934012/
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Cognitive Training Studies
Do reading, puzzles, and similar activities really stave off dementia?
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/do-reading-puzzles-and-similar-activities-really-stave-off-dementia
Fighting early-stage Alzheimer’s with intensive lifestyle changes works, study finds
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/29/health/ornish-early-alzheimers-study-wellness
Executive Function
Although definitions vary, executive function is a set of mental skills that include memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. Executive function skills allow us to set goals, plan, and get things done. Executive function skills include...
- - Paying attention
- - Organizing, planning, and prioritizing
- - Starting tasks and staying focused on them for completion
- - Understanding and weighing different points of view
- - Managing emotions
- - Self-monitoring (keeping track of what you are doing)
Training of executive functions in healthy elderly
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5619105/
ADL: Activities of Daily Living
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) is a list of basic activities necessary for one to function and live independently. The six standard ADLs are generally recognized as...
- - Dressing
- - Eating
- - Bathing
- - Mobility (getting in and out of bed or a chair)
- - Grooming
- - Toileting
IADL: Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) are more advanced activities associated with independent living. Examples of IADL activities include...
- - Using the phone (answering and calling others)
- - Shopping for groceries
- - Planning and making your meals
- - Managing your medicines
- - Cleaning your home
- - Getting around (car, taxi, or public transportation)
- - Managing money and paying bills