Honsberger Physio+ is proud to announce a groundbreaking initiative in the realm of cognitive health – the Healthy Aging Brain Program (HAB). With over two decades of expertise in concussion management and sports vision training, we've expanded our focus to address another facet of neurocognitive well-being. We've integrated the Creyos validated cognitive assessment tool with our neurocognitive assessment protocol to offer a unique and comprehensive cognitive evaluation experience. We aim to tackle the alarming issue of underdiagnosed cognitive impairment and provide early detection and intervention for cognitive decline.

Supported by funding from the Canadian Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) Spark grant, Honsberger Physio+ is actively recruiting up to 100 individuals to participate in a research study on the Healthy Aging Brain Program.  Participants in this research study will be given access to the program free of charge.

The Healthy Aging Brain Program Research Study consists of two parts:

Part One: a 1 hour in-person clinical evaluation with HAB program staff that examines:

•           Neurocognitive skills 
•           Balance 
•           Breathing 
•           Vision contrast sensitivity 
•           The autonomic nerve system

 Part Two: an at-home component completed independently by the client that includes: 

•           An assessment using Creyos (an online cognitive evaluation tool) 
•           Adrenal Function + Free Radical Urinalysis 
•           Cognitive Lifestyle Questionnaire
•           Sleep Questionnaire
•           Personality Questionnaire

Apply for the Healthy Aging Brain Program Research Study here!

Goals of the Healthy Aging Brain Research Study for our Clients: 

• Provide a detailed cognitive evaluation of the aging healthy brain
• Identify lifestyle factors that may identify an individual at risk for cognitive decline
• Create an intervention plan to assist in maintenance a healthy brain
• Referral back to the family doctor for alternate evaluations for those at risk.

Cognitive decline is a common part of aging, but its impact is expected to double in the next decade in Canada. Lifestyle management can significantly mitigate the risk of cognitive decline, and early detection through comprehensive testing can open the door to positive interventions. The Healthy Aging Brain Program Research Study offers a unique opportunity to assess and enhance cognitive health, and it encompasses a range of evaluations and assessments for a comprehensive understanding of your brain health.

Don't wait until cognitive decline becomes a problem; take charge of your brain health by applying for Healthy Aging Brain Program Research Study. Early detection and intervention can make all the difference in maintaining a sharp and vibrant mind as you age.

Why is the Healthy Aging Brain Program Research Study so Important?

The Underdiagnosis Problem: Cognitive impairment often goes unnoticed, with studies showing that physicians are unaware of such issues in more than 40 percent of cognitively impaired patients. This problem is even more pronounced in underserved populations and those with lower educational attainment. Shockingly, more than half of dementia patients have not received a clinical cognitive evaluation by a physician, hindering the treatment of underlying diseases and comorbid conditions.

Benefits of Early Detection: Early identification of cognitive issues is essential for proactively addressing lifestyle factors linked to dementia and neurocognitive risk. Timely recognition enables individuals to make lifestyle modifications, including adopting healthier habits and seeking medical advice promptly. This approach facilitates optimal treatment planning, fosters awareness, and allows families to plan for the future, emphasizing the importance of early intervention in preserving cognitive function and overall well-being.

The Role of Lifestyle and Cognitive Reserve: Lifestyle plays a crucial role in cognitive health. Certain behaviors such as smoking, sedentary lifestyles, and poor dietary choices are linked to faster cognitive decline and a higher risk of dementia. In contrast, physical, mental, and social leisure activities have been found to be protective. Cognitive reserve, shaped by early-life learning and education, is vital for healthy cognitive aging.

What Exactly is Included in the Healthy Aging Brain Program Research Study?

Neurocognitive Testing: Neurocognitive testing is a non-invasive way to measure brain function, allowing early detection of cognitive issues. It encompasses various tests to assess different aspects of cognition, including attention, memory, language, reaction time, and perception. Early detection is particularly valuable for conditions like concussion and dementia, as they are accompanied by subtle changes in cognitive abilities.

The Creyos Health Evaluation: Our program utilizes a suite of testing components, including the Creyos Health Evaluation (formerly Cambridge Brain Sciences). This online service accurately measures core cognitive functions such as memory, attention, reasoning, and verbal abilities. These measures help assess, monitor, and manage key areas of cognition and allow for tracking cognitive trends over time.

Considering the Whole Picture: The Healthy Aging Brain Program doesn't stop at cognitive assessment. It includes evaluations of balance, the autonomic nervous system (ANS), cortisol levels & free radicals, as well as vision to determine overall health status and healing capabilities. Balancing cognitive function and physical health is crucial for well-rounded wellness.

Vision and Contrast Sensitivity: Contrast sensitivity, the ability to distinguish foreground from background, plays a significant role in daily activities, especially in low-light conditions. Impaired contrast sensitivity is associated with cognitive decline and various visual health issues. A holistic approach to cognitive health involves addressing these aspects as well.

Research Study Details: In this study, up to 100 eligible participants will complete the two parts of the HAB program. Afterwards, study participants will receive a detailed written report that provides them with their cognitive health results, an analysis of their risk factors and suggestions for next steps to maintain a healthy brain. There is no fee to participate in this study since it is offered as part of a research grant that, through discoveries and innovations that are made, aims to support everybody’s brain health.  

Your participation in this research is entirely voluntary and is based upon a few qualifying factors. All the information that we gather through this project will be kept entirely confidential. You can withdraw your participation at any time. Whether or not you choose to participate in this research study will have no impact on your ability to receive care at Honsberger Physio+.

If this is something that might be of interest to you, the first step is to complete the following application form to determine your eligibility for the research study.  Eligible candidates will be randomly selected into pre-determined study cohorts and invited to participate in the research study until each cohort's target number is reached.

Apply for the Healthy Aging Brain Program Research Study here!

Interested in learning more about the Healthy Aging Brain Program Research Study?  Click here for all of the details!