Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a significant predictor of developing more severe neurodegenerative problems and disease. One-third of adults who experience MCI go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, contributing to the 6.7 million Americans currently living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in our country today. There is strong evidence to suggest that preventive measures focused on maintaining healthy blood pressure, in addition to other interventions, can reduce the onset of MCI and control the risk of more severe issues developing associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Therefore, this course is designed to educate preventive medicine physicians and general healthcare providers on how to identify risk factors in patients and share effective management strategies associated with MCI, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, emphasizing hypertension management as a crucial component of these preventive measures to promote overall cognitive well-being.

1. Brain Health Terms: Discuss brain health terminology and epidemiology.​
2. Dementia Risk Factors: Define and describe risk factors associated with age-related cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia.​
3. What’s Good for the Heart is Good for the Brain: Review blood pressure control strategies and risk reduction approaches for other modifiable risk factors.
4. Early Detection of Cognitive Impairment: Discuss early diagnosis and review assessment tools and resources.

Dr. John Barrett serves as the Deputy and Medical Director of the VA War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Washington, DC, caring for Veterans with concerns about health outcomes of military exposures. John joined the VA after retiring from the Army as a colonel with over 30 years of service. He most recently served at the Uniformed Services University and continues as medical school faculty. As an Army officer, he served in several leadership, operational, teaching, and clinical assignments. He is a Fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine, the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. His academic interests include lifestyle medicine and brain health, assessment and health outcomes from military occupational and environmental exposures, clinical health services, and teaching and leadership in healthcare.