Science program wants to prevent the risk of dementia in the Portuguese population

A scientific program to prevent the risk of dementia in people over 60 is being developed by an interdisciplinary research team coordinated by the University of Coimbra (UC), as the institution announced this Thursday.

The project, called “REMINDER”, aims to “prevent cognitive decline and promote brain health through strategies that promote lifestyle changes and cognitive and emotional resilience,” UC emphasizes in a press release sent to Lusa.

In a note, project coordinator Ana Rita Silva explained that the program includes “not only monitoring risk factors (such as controlling hypertension, diabetes, encouraging physical activity or cognitive training), but also preventing psychosocial risk factors such as depression, anxiety or social isolation.” .

Also, according to a researcher at the Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC) of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Coimbra (FPCEUC), the integrated approach of “REMINDER” will improve the training of personal skills and social skills for emotional regulation and focus, cognitive training and personal development, goal management and memory therapy with controlled retrieval of positive memories.

The program consists of 20 sessions in groups of eight over 10 weeks, and the activities to be developed are based on five strategies: learning about brain health, training memory and other vital mental functions, and changing the daily routine using compensatory methods such as as an agenda and reminders.

The two remaining strategies include improving “meaningful social interactions” (activities that promote socialization and a sense of belonging) and adopting “protective lifestyles and cognitive and emotional flexibility for a healthier, physical and mental life” on the mental plane,” reads the statement. .

At this stage of development, in order to understand its viability, “REMINDER” is being tested by a group of 20 people “aged 60 to 75, mostly from Coimbra, who have memory complaints or health problems that they can affect the brain. health, as risk factors for dementia such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity are known,” explained Ana Rita Silva.

He added that while the program is still in the early stages of development, adherence levels “were above average compared to similar studies in other countries, and most participants emphasized interest in learning strategies to improve brain health and prevent forgetting and function.” “as the main reasons for their involvement,” the researcher said.

Then a research team that includes other researchers from FPCEUC, the Departments of Science, Technology and Medicine at the University of California, and the Universities of Madeira and Beira-Interior, in collaboration with senior universities and APRe! — The Association of Retirees, Pensioners and Retirees — intends to extend the “REMINDER” to other regions of the country “with important characteristics in terms of increased risk of developing dementia.”

In particular, “predominantly rural areas and areas with a predominance of the older population, with education below grade 9”, among others, the project coordinator noted.

To this end, participation in the program is “open to any citizen aged 60+, without significant cognitive impairment, but already having any memory complaints”, which can be accessed at www.remindereomeucerebro.pt/join and formalize. Your registration.