Physical inactivity is one of the known modifiable risk factors for dementia. Numerous studies have highlighted the positive impact of exercise on cognitive function and the risk of developing dementia. This course moves from knowledge to application by providing actionable guidance and tools to help providers effectively address this opportunity with patients and families.

Learning Objectives: 

• List 6 or more modifiable risk factors for dementia
• Summarize the link between physical activity and dementia
• Identify effective intervention and strategies to address physical activity with a special focus on adults 45+ years 
• Identify special considerations for high-risk populations

 Expert Presenter

Katrina L. Piercy, PhD, RD, ACSM-CEP, FACSM is the Director of the Division of Prevention Science in the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) in the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and serves as a dietitian officer in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. As a Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Registered Dietitian, Dr. Piercy advises agency and departmental senior officials on current physical activity and nutrition science to inform policies and programs related to health promotion and disease prevention. Dr. Piercy and her team is trusted to lead, execute, and disseminate multi-year national public health policy initiatives on behalf of HHS, including the National Youth Sports Strategy, the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Most recently, she led the development of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report: Implementation Strategies for Older Adults, which provides guidance on how older adults can incorporate more physical activity into their lives. She also serves as a subject matter expert for the Move Your Way® communications campaign, the first federal physical activity campaign to accompany the Physical Activity Guidelines.

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Sponsored By:

Additional Resources

• Course Presentation
• Brain Health Equity Practical Guide 
• BrainGuide™ 
• Primary Prevention Recommendations to Reduce the Risk of Cognitive Decline
• Provider Toolkit
• Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report: Implementation Strategies for Older Adults
• Benefits of Physical Activity and Tips
• Activity planner for adults
• Fact Sheet for Health Care Providers Caring for Older Adults
• Fact sheets, posters, and other resources