Proactive Brain Health Workshop

A Hybrid Learning Journey for a Healthier Mind

Welcome to Your Brain Health Journey

This program is a unique blend of cutting-edge online learning and vital in-person community connection. It is designed to move beyond passive theory and empower you with practical, actionable strategies for proactive brain health. Our approach is learner-centered, flexible, and built on a foundation of empathy and support.

Part 1: The Online Hub (Self-Paced)

You will begin with a comprehensive, self-paced online program. This is not a typical MOOC. Our platform uses an innovative AI-powered hybrid model to personalize your journey. You'll engage with interactive modules, receive instant feedback on your progress, and build a foundational knowledge of brain health.

  • Personalized learning paths
  • Interactive quizzes and simulations
  • 24/7 AI-powered Q&A support
  • Build your "Personal Brain Health Plan"

Part 2: The Workshop (1-Day In-Person)

After completing the online modules, you'll attend a 1-day, in-person workshop at a location of your choice. This day is 100% focused on practical skills, social connection, and community support. Theory is left at the door; this is about application, empathy, and building your network.

  • Community-led, culturally safe environment
  • Practice skills through role-playing
  • Strengthen your social support network
  • Get clear guidance on local resources

Online Hub: Program Syllabus

Your online journey is structured into six core modules, culminating in a personal capstone project. Our AI-powered platform will help guide you, providing instant feedback on routine tasks, while our human facilitators will provide empathetic, high-level mentorship on your overall plan.

Understanding the 'what' and 'why' of cognitive well-being. This module sets a safe, trauma-informed tone and busts common myths about dementia and brain aging.

  • Topics: Defining brain health vs. dementia, cognitive reserve, neuroplasticity, life-course model of prevention.
  • AI Task: Interactive "Myth vs. Fact" quiz with automated, explanatory feedback.
  • Human Task: Facilitator hosts a live introductory webinar (recorded) to build community and set ground rules for a safe, empathetic learning space.

A deep dive into the latest research (like the 2024 Lancet Commission report) on the key modifiable risk factors you can influence.

  • Topics: The 12+ modifiable risks (e.g., hypertension, hearing loss, physical inactivity, social isolation).
  • AI Task: An interactive "Risk Factor Identifier" tool. AI provides instant feedback on simple case-study exercises.
  • Human Task: Facilitator moderates a forum discussion on "Which risk factors are most challenging for our community, and why?"

Based on findings from studies like the PACT trial, this module explores the "use it or lose it" principle for your brain.

  • Topics: Benefits of cognitive training, lifelong learning, importance of arts-based interventions, the critical role of social connection.
  • AI Task: Personalized portal of "brain games" with adaptive difficulty. AI-powered scheduler to help you plan and commit to social activities.
  • Human Task: Facilitator leads a creative brainstorming session (forum) on "How can we build social connection into our busy lives?"

Practical application of lifestyle factors. How even a few thousand steps a day and simple dietary changes can make a significant impact.

  • Topics: Physical activity guidelines, nutrition (e.g., MIND diet), and the crucial role of sleep hygiene.
  • AI Task: AI-powered activity planner to help you set escalating, achievable goals (e.g., "Add 500 steps to your daily goal this week"). AI meal log analyzer for automated tips.
  • Human Task: Facilitator hosts a Q&A with a guest expert (e.g., nutritionist or physiotherapist) on "Starting safely and staying motivated."

This is the final online project where you synthesize everything you've learned into a single, actionable plan to prepare for the in-person workshop.

  • Task: Fill out a comprehensive template defining your personal goals for the 'Protect', 'Engage', 'Move', and 'Nourish' pillars.
  • AI Task: The AI reviews your plan for completeness. (e.g., "Your 'Move' section looks great, but your 'Engage' section is empty. Please add 1-2 goals for social connection.")
  • Human Task: A human facilitator provides in-depth, empathetic, and strategic feedback on your plan's feasibility and nuance. (e.g., "I see your goal is 10,000 steps a day. That's excellent! Let's brainstorm a gradual ramp-up plan so you can achieve it safely.")

In-Person Workshop: Building Our Community

The 1-day workshop is the heart of this program. It is not a lecture. It is an interactive, community-led day focused entirely on practical skills, connection, and support. Your local workshop will be guided by 7 core values:

1. Community-Led & Cultural Safety

Facilitated by trained local leaders who understand your community's unique assets and challenges.

2. Practical Skill Application

Zero theory. All activities (like role-playing and group problem-solving) are hands-on.

3. Strengthening Social Connection

Every activity is designed to help you build your support network with other participants.

4. Trauma-Informed Approach

We create a safe space built on choice, collaboration, and trust. All activities are invitational.

5. Accessible Language (No Jargon)

We speak in plain, clear language. All complex terms are left in the online modules.

6. Clear Referral Pathways

A key session involves mapping your local resources: who to call and where to go for help.

7. Emphasis on Empathy + Boundaries

We practice how to be an empathetic supporter for friends and family, while also maintaining your own well-being.

Sample Workshop Agenda (1-Day)

  • 9:00 AM: Welcome & Connection (Setting a Safe, Trauma-Informed Space)
  • 10:00 AM: Practical Skill 1: Communicating for Connection (Role-playing empathy & boundaries)
  • 11:15 AM: Practical Skill 2: Mindful Movement & Stress Reduction (Accessible, gentle practice)
  • 12:15 PM: Lunch & Social Networking (Facilitated interest-finder)
  • 1:15 PM: Community-Led Session: Navigating Our Local Resources (Asset mapping & referral pathways)
  • 2:45 PM: Practical Skill 3: Group Problem-Solving (Working through real-life barriers from your plans)
  • 4:00 PM: Closing Circle & Future Connection (Pledges & setting up support networks)

The Hybrid Model in Action

Our program works by intelligently dividing tasks. AI handles the routine, data-driven work, freeing up our expert human facilitators to focus on what matters most: mentorship, creativity, and empathy. This creates a more efficient, scalable, and personalized program for everyone.

This chart illustrates how workload is distributed for key training activities. Notice how AI handles most of the routine feedback and Q&A, while humans are 100% focused on complex, high-touch activities like strategic mentorship and in-person facilitation.