How are Brain Health Interventions Implemented in Clinical Settings Internationally? – A Scoping Review

• Published in: Age and ageing 2024-09, Vol.53 (Supplement_4)
• Main Authors: Connolly, Eimear, McFeely, Aoife, Kennelly, Sean
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Brain; Cardiovascular diseases; Citations; Clinical medicine; Cognitive ability; Cognitive development; Cognitive impairment; Dementia; Dementia disorders; Developmental delays; Health care; Intervention; Memory; Nutrition; Referrals; Risk assessment; Risk factors; Systematic review
• ISSN: 0002-0729; 1468-2834
• DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afae178.256

Abstract Background It is estimated that 40% of dementia cases worldwide may be linked to potentially modifiable risk-factors. Evidence suggests multidomain interventions targeting a number of these risk factors can help prevent and delay the development of cognitive decline. However, the optimal way to deliver these interventions in clinical practice is less clear. We conducted a scoping review to explore the implementation of brain health interventions in a clinical setting. Methods A scoping review methodology was chosen to allow the consideration of publications from sources outside the confines of a systematic review. A search was conducted and applied to four databases: MEDLINE, Embase, CINHAL, PsychInfo. Grey literature in the form of National Dementia Policy Documents were also considered for inclusion. Publications related to the delivery of brain health interventions in a clinical setting available in English were included, while multidomain interventions delivered for research purposes only were excluded. Results were dual-screened, extracted by two independent reviewers, and reported in line with PRISMA-scr guidelines. Results Of 3,035 results, 2,109 remained following de-duplication. Fifty full-text records were screened, with 4 citations referring to 2 clinical services included in the review. The first service (Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic (APC), Cornell and Puerto Rico) was established in 2013 while the second (Brain Health Scotland) established a clinical service in 2023. Both accept self-referrals and healthcare provider referrals and are distinct from existing memory clinic service models. Both services offered cognitive testing along with risk factor assessment. A detailed suite of interventions offered to patients in the APC was outlined targeting cardiovascular, lifestyle and nutritional risk factors. The clinical interventions offered in the Brain Health Scotland clinical service were not documented. Conclusion Within the limitations of the search strategy, there is a paucity of available information on existing, operational brain health intervention clinics, particularly those linked to memory assessment services.