GLOBAL COUNCIL ON BRAIN HEALTH LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ADULTS 50+

Abstract

Lifestyle modifications are at the heart of efforts to promote healthy aging and risk reduction for cognitive decline and dementia. The Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH) is an independent collaborative of scientists, clinicians, scholars and policy experts convened by AARP to provide evidence-based advice on what people and professionals can do to maintain and improve brain health. The Council translates scientific research into actionable recommendations for the public that will help drive behavior change in individuals across communities and cultures. 2019 represents a milestone year for the Council as it prepares to address the last major lifestyle factor in our systematic review of topics based on the 2015 AARP Survey on Brain Health. This presentation will provide highlights from the multi-year effort to systematically examine lifestyle factors including topics such as physical activity, sleep, cognitively stimulating activities, and nutrition. This body of work will serve as the springboard for future Council work. Issue specialists from around the world were brought together to build consensus and issue lifestyle recommendations based upon the cumulative body of evidence. These experts have conducted research that has significantly contributed to the body of evidence linking a range of modifiable risk factors with brain health in older adults. This presentation will feature consensus points and recommendations issued by the Council. It will also showcase statements and practical tips generated by the Council that are based on the latest research advancements. Data from surveys fielded by AARP research, developed in consultation with the GCBH, will also be featured. In sum, this presentation will highlight the work of the Council at the forefront of this international effort. Particular emphasis will be paid to the scientific and policy dimensions of brain health, with an emphasis on individuals aged 50 and older.