In May 2025 I’ll be presenting a poster at HealCon, an annual conference held by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP). My research is about how health and wellness coaching in middle age can be used to lower dementia risk later in life. I’m not the first person to think of this, but previous studies have not been reproducible. This coaching framework consists of a reproducible, client-centered protocol with a measurable coaching dose.

I received valuable input from Colin Rosenau, lead author of the updated LIfestyle for BRAin Health Index (LIBRA2), and Dr. Samir Koutoubi, my professor at the American College of Healthcare Sciences.

abstract

A Reproducible Protocol to Lower Dementia Risk with Health and Wellness Coaching

Dementia is an irreversible neurodegenerative condition with no known cure. Addressing modifiable risk factors before the onset of signs and symptoms is the only viable strategy to mitigate risk. Behavior change that reduces dementia risk requires support and accountability. Health and wellness coaching is a promising method for personalized behavior change strategies to reduce dementia risk.

This protocol aims to lower dementia risk via a health and wellness coaching intervention that produces measurable risk reduction outcomes. The protocol targets cognitively healthy, motivated individuals aged 40 to 64 with a family history of dementia. Coaches must be credentialed and trained in dementia risk factor modification. The coaching framework prioritizes a Client-centered, collaborative relationship, where the Coach is the expert in the change process, and the Client is the authority on themselves and uniquely capable of determining the best strategies for their personal growth.

The process employs motivational interviewing and works within the Client’s capacity for change toward Client-important goals based on results from the risk assessment. The intervention spans one year: weekly sessions for three months, biweekly sessions for three months, and monthly sessions for the final six months. Initial dementia risk and subsequent risk reduction are measured qualitatively via the updated LIfestyle for BRAin Health index at baseline, six months, and twelve months.

This protocol is expected to demonstrate measurable reductions in dementia risk at six and twelve months, validate health and wellness coaching as a method for achieving behavior change aligned with dementia risk reduction and show that a higher initial coaching dose tapering over time is more effective than education alone. The structured approach of this reproducible framework leverages the expertise of credentialed Coaches to provide accountability and support, demonstrating the value of health and wellness coaching in mitigating dementia risk.