Brain Health Behavior Change: Coaching Older Adults to Prevent Dementia

Many health and fitness professionals recognize the growing importance of brain health and dementia prevention but lack clear, practical strategies to translate this knowledge into effective client coaching while staying withing scope of practice. While education around lifestyle factors is widely available, applying behavior-change frameworks that support long-term adherence to brain-healthy habits remains a challenge.

This engaging course, led by Ryan Glatt, Director of the FitBrain Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute, bridges the gap between neuroscience, behavior change, and real-world fitness application. Participants will gain evidence-informed strategies to support brain health and reduce dementia risk in older adults through sustainable lifestyle interventions.

Designed for health and fitness professionals working with aging populations, this course emphasizes practical application over theory. Explore key lifestyle behaviors linked to brain health—including physical activity, sleep, stress management, cognitive engagement, and social connection—while learning how to address common psychological and real-world barriers to adoption. By strengthening behavior-change and coaching skills, professionals can improve client adherence, enhance outcomes, and position themselves as leaders in the growing field of brain health and longevity.

Upon completion, you will be able to:

• Understand key lifestyle behaviors associated with brain health and reduced dementia risk in older adults.
• Apply health coaching strategies to improve adherence to brain-healthy habits.
• Design client-centered coaching approaches that address common psychological and practical barriers faced by aging populations.
• Implement strategies that support sustainable lifestyle changes across physical activity, sleep, stress, and social engagement.