Brain Health
Wellness Begins with a Healthy Brain
Many things can affect the way our brain absorbs, processes and stores information for future use (cognition). Many of us know that aging itself often impacts how well our brain functions, and that even mild brain injury can have enduring negative effects on our memory, thinking and focus. However, there are numerous other conditions or circumstances that can have a profound impact on the health of our brain, even at a young age. These include:
- Concussion
- Stroke
- Chronic diseases
- Chemotherapy
- Major surgery
- Infectious diseases
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Psychological health disorders
- Dementing conditions
Medical experts now know that the brain has more “plasticity” than once thought and that brain cells can regenerate throughout our lives. Therefore, many areas of the brain affected by aging, injury or other conditions can be treated or “exercised” to remediate problems.
The Centre offers a range of assessment, prevention and treatment programs for brain health including:
- Cognitive Screening & Benchmark Assessment
- Basic Cognitive Measure
- Neuropsychological Evaluations
- Concussion Management Services
- Brain Fitness (Prevention) Programs
- Personalized Treatment Services
- Stroke & Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Memory & Cognitive Assessment (MCA)*
The first step in any brain health program is to understand how your brain is functioning today. The Neuroscience team at the Copeman Healthcare Centre has designed a Memory & Cognitive Assessment (MCA) that provides a client with a baseline score in 15 important areas of cognition, while screening for possible impairment. The MCA also serves as a “benchmark” for how your brain is functioning in important areas such as:
- Attention & concentration
- Language & communication
- Sensory perception
- Memory & learning
- Executive functioning
- Processing speed
The benchmark assessment results can be used to:
- Track your brain health over time for early detection & prevention
- Provide a reference point in case of brain injury or major illness
- Target areas for focus within a “brain fitness” program
- Identify early signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
The MCA is composed of a clinical Interview with a neuropsychologist, a computerized Basic Cognitive Measure, psychological health screening instruments, plus a battery of well-established neurocognitive tests administered by a trained psychometrics professional. It includes a comprehensive written report of findings and a 30 minute feedback discussion with a neuropsychologist. The assessment requires approximately 3 hours of your time.
*Please note that the Memory & Cognitive Assessment (MCA) replaces the C-SBA
Basic Cognitive Measure (BCM) Assessment
This brief assessment provides a client with a baseline score in 9 important areas of cognition, while screening for possible impairment. Results can be monitored over time to ensure that any significant decline can be acted on early. This may include age-related decline, or even an unexpected head injury.
The BCM is a computerized assessment administered with clinically relevant questionnaires and a brief interview. It includes a standardized, computer-generated report and brief meeting with neuropsychology staff. The BCM takes one hour to complete.
Neuropsychological Evaluation
If a clinical interview reveals readily apparent neurocognitive deficits, or these are detected in one of the Centre’s neurocognitive assessments, the Copeman Neuropsychology team can conduct more in-depth evaluations to assess how individual areas of the brain are working. Results can be used to clearly differentiate between normal age-related changes in brain function and those that reflect a possible neurological disorder. They may also be used to assist in diagnosis, since different diseases and disorders produce different patterns in these evaluations.
A neuropsychological evaluation represents the most thorough assessment of a client’s functioning and involves an in-depth, systematic review of all areas of cognition. Its primary purpose is to create a specific treatment plan for remediation of cognitive deficits. As an evaluation requires between one and three days of testing and interviews, it is generally not performed without a preliminary consultation with a neuropsychologist.
Concussion Management Services
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that should always be treated by trained professionals. Copeman Healthcare is at the forefront of concussion research and management. Based on evidence-based principles of care we are deeply committed to providing leading-edge services to track, assess and treat concussion. For families or individuals who enjoy high-impact sports, baseline testing is recommended prior to getting involved. Baseline testing allows your healthcare team to establish the severity of any subsequent injury or develop a treatment and recovery plan should you or a loved one sustain a concussion.
Copeman concussion services include:
- Baseline testing
- Counselling & education
- Assessment & treatment
- Acute concussion clinic
- Chronic concussion clinic
- Management of concussions that are slow to resolve
Copeman Healthcare’s team of dedicated professionals are here to answer your questions. If you suspect that you or a loved one has sustained a concussion, Copeman Healthcare can perform an assessment, provide appropriate treatment, track recovery and create a game plan for return to work or play. We are also here to assist with baseline testing and counseling clients on the appropriate steps to take in the event of a concussion. Remember, a concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that should always be treated by trained professionals.
Brain Fitness (Prevention) Programs
We can exercise our brains as well as our bodies. There is now considerable scientific evidence to support programs that can help you improve memory, think faster and improve focus. The Neuropsychology team at the Copeman Healthcare Centre designs and supervises brain fitness programs based on this evidence. Programs are multi-disciplinary in nature and may include one or more of the following important elements:
- Neurobics (software, game and puzzle based brain exercises)
- Physical Exercise
- Nutrition
- Stress Management & Mental Health
- Sleep Assessment
- Coaching
- Safety
- Treatment of medical conditions and hormone imbalances
Programs are often personalized based on a client’s particular goals and medical profile following a one hour consultation with a neuropsychologist (see Personalized Treatment Services). However, the Centre offers a standardized prevention program appropriate for mid-life or elderly populations who are not suffering from significant cognitive impairment: Brain Fitness—On the Go.
Brain Fitness: On the Go
The “On the Go” Brain Fitness program is a multi-dimensional, self-paced program supported by regular reinforcement from your neuropsychology team at the Centre. The major elements of the program include:
- 60 minute orientation and consultation with a Brain Fitness professional on all aspects of brain health
- 30 minute dietitian consultation for reorientation on brain healthy foods
- 30 minute kinesiology consultation for exercise preparedness
- Comprehensive program guide and log book for tracking important activities and progress on lifestyle modifications
- 6 months of direct support from a Brain Fitness Clinician including reminders, prompts, tips, recipes, etc.
- One year subscription to a customized version of Fit Brains™, a novel computer-based gaming system designed for cognitive exercise. This version allows the Centre to monitor your “neurobic” progress under neuropsychology guidance.
The “On the Go” program is appropriate for prevention-minded, cognitively healthy individuals. A Memory and Cognitive Assessment or Basic Cognitive Measure is highly recommended in order to establish a baseline cognitive score at the start of the program.
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