ONLINE MODULE ENHANCES COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND MEMORY

VCAL FOCUS

The American Society on Aging (ASA), in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has launched a new online module to teach providers how to help elders maintain and enhance cognitive function and memory.  Strategies for Cognitive Vitality discusses barriers to optimal brain function, including health conditions and detrimental behaviors, and how providers can reach older adults of diverse cultures, ethnicities and sexual orientations.  The module takes a nuts-and-bolts approach to presenting successful programs, providing users with resources and references.  Also offered are samples of three types of cognitive vitality awareness programs, complete with handouts and activities for participants.  Cognitive Vitality is the second module in ASA/CDCs health-promotion and disease-prevention program.  More than 1,000 direct service providers have accessed the first module, Blueprint for Better Health, since its launch in December 2001.  The Cognitive Vitality module is available to the general public without charge at http://www.asaging.org/cdc.