There’s the personal trainer for fitness, the life coach for finding purpose, and the menopause coach for managing the onset of symptoms. Now, research suggests older adults may benefit from another personalized motivator: A brain-boosting coach.
A new study found older adults with a personalized health coach improved their cognitive function 74% more after two years compared to those who did not have a coach. The study, published this week in JAMA Internal Medicine, collected data from 172 participants between 2018 and 2022, all of whom had at least two of eight risk factors for dementia—such as high blood pressure, diabetes, hypertension, or physical inactivity. Half of the cohort met with a coach every few months to examine their risk factors and change their habits accordingly. Researchers distributed a standard informational packet on dementia risk and reduction to the other half.
