Planning for the Road Ahead: Dementia Care and Brain Health

If you're concerned about cognitive decline — yours or a loved one's — you're not alone. A recent survey found that 60 percent of Floridians ages 45 or older worry about their brain health, yet only 40 percent have discussed these concerns with their primary care provider. The gap between worry and action is real, but it doesn't have to stay that way.

As we age, concerns about brain health naturally increase—but what are we actually doing about it? In this Senior Living LIVE! webinar, Dr. Keith Yoder, PhD in cognitive neuroscience and Director of Research and Development at SparkNeuro, tackles this critical question head-on.

Dr. Yoder shares groundbreaking insights about dementia care planning and the proactive steps we can all take to protect our cognitive health. Here's what you need to know:

What Is Dementia? Understanding Memory Loss vs. Normal Aging
Dementia is an umbrella term for memory loss and cognitive decline severe enough to interfere with daily life. While Alzheimer's disease accounts for over 70% of dementia cases, Dr. Yoder explains the various types—from vascular dementia to Lewy body disease—and emphasizes that the key warning sign is change that occurs over a few years.

How to Prevent Dementia: 14 Risk Factors You Can Change Today
Perhaps the most encouraging news? Up to 45% of dementia cases can be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors. Dr. Yoder walks through the Lancet Commission's 14 risk factors, including some surprising findings:

• Hearing loss in midlife is one of the biggest risk factors
• High LDL cholesterol was recently added to the list
• Even in later life (65+), managing factors like social isolation, physical activity, and vision loss can make a significant difference

What Is a Dementia Care Plan and Why Do You Need One?
Dr. Yoder provides a comprehensive overview of dementia care planning visits—collaborative sessions with healthcare providers that create a roadmap for cognitive health. These visits cover everything from cognitive assessments and medication reviews to caregiver support and advance planning. The best part? Medicare covers annual cognitive assessments and care planning visits.

How to Improve Brain Health: Actionable Steps for Seniors

Dr. Yoder shares practical steps anyone can take today:

• Stay active—mentally, physically, and socially
• Control blood pressure and manage diabetes
• Maintain a healthy weight with a Mediterranean-style diet (blueberries were a standout recommendation!)
• Address hearing and vision loss promptly
• Limit alcohol and avoid smoking
• Create a safe environment to prevent falls

About SPARK Neuro

SPARK Neuro is a team of world-class neuroscientists, neurologists, engineers, and AI experts is dedicated to making brain health care accessible and standard for everyone. 

Learn more about their REMIND-V clinical trial, open to residents of the greater Tampa and Miami areas.