Supporting the efforts of older adults to maintain full lives in their communities must include attention to their health and particularly the functioning of the mind. Memory negotiates our ability to function in the world and care for ourselves. Psychologically, it is a record of our lives, and many people fear its loss more than they fear death.

Cognitive health affects us as individuals and as valuable members of our communities. Cognitively vital older adults have the opportunity to contribute to family care, civic life, spiritual growth and the economic well-being of their neighborhoods.

A major barrier to reaching and empowering older adults to maintain cognitive vitality is the belief that dementia is universal and inevitable. Information about the functioning of the brain and ways to enhance and preserve it plays a crucial role in relieving their fears and can help them begin the steps toward healthier lifestyles. While 95 percent of dementias are not reversible, the National Institute on Aging specifies over 100 conditions that mimic serious cognitive impairment but are reversible. The conditions may be related to the following:

• Emotional distress
• Physical illness
• Medications
• Nutrition deficiencies
• Social and cultural restraints
• Alcohol use

This module provides you with:

• Basic background on the functioning of the aging brain that will be useful for your understanding of the issues, for developing grant proposals for your cognitive vitality programs, and for creating media releases
• Information on who in your community can assist in creating cognitive vitality programs, and how, when, and where it can be done
• Specific class and presentation outlines and tips for preparing programs
• Helpful information on developing funding through evaluation of your program's effectiveness

For more adults to savor their later years, maintaining cognitive vitality becomes an essential charge both for themselves and those who work with them.

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