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.

Cognitive Screening & Benchmark Assessment (CSBA)

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 Cognitive Screening & Benchmark Assessment (CSBA) that will detect possible cognitive deficits to support the earliest possible action. The CSBA 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 improvement with “brain fitness” programs

Brain Fitness

We can exercise our brains as well as our bodies. There is now considerable scientific evidence to support programs that can help you think faster, focus better and remember more. Brain Fitness programs at the Copeman Healthcare Centre are designed and supervised by our Neuropsychology Team 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
  • Coaching
  • Sleep Assessment

All programs are personalized based on your particular goals and medical profile.

Neuropsychological Evaluation

If the CSBA screening detects possible neurocognitive deficit or dysfunction, the Copeman Neuropsychology Team can conduct more in-depth evaluations to assess how individual areas of your 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.

Treatment & Evaluation

If you are experiencing cognitive impairment due to illness or injury, various techniques and modalities can be used for treatment and rehabilitation across the disciplines of medicine, neuropsychology, occupational therapy and speech language pathology, among others. At the Copeman Healthcare Centre, our cognitive remediation and health psychology services are specifically designed to help individuals rebuild cognitive skills, restore emotional strength and maximize independence.