More and more people notice that their memory sometimes lets them down. You search for words, you forget an appointment, you find it hard to keep your attention focused… When such complaints keep returning, it is only natural to start worrying. Fortunately, today you no longer have to simply wait for things to get worse. The NeuroFit Clinic wants to give extra support to people in that early phase. With Neurofit+, the clinic is launching an intensive programme for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early dementia, combining lifestyle, cognitive training and medical guidance into one personal approach.
What is the NeuroFit Clinic?
The NeuroFit Clinic starts from a simple but important idea: cognitive complaints rarely have one clear cause. Memory problems, difficulty concentrating or mental fatigue are often linked to various factors that influence one another, such as sleep, stress, movement, nutrition and general well-being. That is why the clinic looks not only at the symptoms, but at the full picture behind a person's health.
The clinic was founded by prof. em. dr. Reginald Deschepper, medical anthropologist and health scientist, together with a multidisciplinary team of doctors, counsellors and other experts. Their approach is based on scientific insights, combined with personal guidance and a person-centred vision of care. At the NeuroFit Clinic, people do not receive standard advice, but a guidance programme tailored to their situation and needs. Different elements come together here, from nutrition and movement to sleep optimisation, stress regulation and cognitive training. Always in addition to regular care.
Why is Neurofit+ coming now?
Many people with mild cognitive complaints still end up in a sort of "grey zone" today. They notice that their memory or concentration is changing, but there is still little structured guidance available. According to prof. Deschepper, it is time to look at this differently. "With early cognitive problems, it is no longer responsible to simply tell people that they have to wait and see. Today we have enough knowledge to tackle several influenceable factors at the same time."
What does the Neurofit+ programme involve?
Neurofit+ is an intensive 12-week programme for people with MCI or early dementia. The programme consists of several pillars that, according to recent research, can have a positive influence on brain health. Among other things, the programme focuses on:
healthy nutrition
movement and physical training
sleep optimisation
stress regulation
cognitive training
social interaction
attention to environmental factors
The focus is on a broad approach, in which several factors are addressed at the same time within one personal programme.
The science behind Neurofit+
In recent years, there has been growing attention worldwide for the impact of lifestyle on our brain health. Researchers are increasingly looking at a combination of factors, such as nutrition, movement, sleep, stress and mental stimulation, and how these together play a role in cognitive decline. Recent research shows that an intensive and broad lifestyle approach can, in some people with MCI or early Alzheimer's dementia, lead to a stabilisation or even an improvement of cognitive functions.
Neurofit+ translates these scientific insights into a practical guidance programme in Flanders and the Netherlands. The programme is carried by a multidisciplinary team of doctors and experts and supported by a scientific advisory board. In addition, the NeuroFit Clinic works together with academic partners, including the Brain Lifestyle Interaction research group of Leiden University.
Who is Neurofit+ intended for?
The programme is aimed at people who:
notice that their memory is declining
find it harder to plan or concentrate
received a diagnosis of MCI
are in an early phase of dementia
want to actively work on their brain health
According to the clinic, the emphasis is not only on treatment, but also on offering structure, guidance and perspective once again.
Info at www.neurofit-clinic.be
author: Josefien De Bock, health journalist