Neuropsychologists as primary care providers of cognitive health: A novel comprehensive cognitive wellness service delivery model

ABSTRACT

By virtue of their extensive knowledge base and specialized training in brain-behavior relationships, neuropsychologists are especially poised to execute a unique broad-based approach to overall cognitive wellness and should be viewed as primary care providers of cognitive health. This article will describe a novel comprehensive cognitive wellness service delivery model including cognitive health, anti-aging, lifelong wellness, and longevity-oriented practices. These practice areas include brain-based cognitive wellness, emotional and spiritually centric exploration, and related multimodality health interventions. As experts in mind-body connections, neuropsychologists can provide a variety of evidence-based treatment options, empowering patients with a sense of value and purpose. Multiple areas of clinical therapy skill-based learning, tailor-made to fit individual needs, will be discussed including: brain stimulating activities, restorative techniques, automatic negative thoughts and maladaptive thinking reduction, inflammation and pain management techniques, nutrition and culinary focused cognitive wellness, spirituality based practices and mindfulness, movement and exercise, alternative/complimentary therapies, relationship restoration/social engagement, and trauma healing/meaning. Cognitive health rests upon the foundation of counteracting mind-body connection disruptions from multiple etiologies including inflammation, chronic stress, metabolic issues, cardiac conditions, autoimmune disease, neurological disorders, infectious diseases, and allergy spectrum disorders. Superimposed on these issues are lifestyle patterns and negative health behaviors that develop as ill-fated compensatory mechanisms used to cope with life stressors and aging. The brain and body are electrical systems that can “short circuit.” The therapy practices inherent in the proposed cognitive wellness service delivery model can provide preventative insulation and circuit breaking against the shock of illness.

KEYWORDS:

• cognitive health
• positive neuropsychology
• neurocognitive rehabilitation
• neuropsychologists

Acknowledgments

Dr. Pimental would like to acknowledge the following professionals: Kelly Birmingham-Watts, B.S., Dalia Manjarres-Cohen, B.S., Alyssa Fredrick, M.A., and Mia Gregor, Psy.D.

Declaration of interest

Dr. Pimental discloses that she is the author and developer of the practice-based service delivery models of Peak Performance Neuropsychology (PPN)^SM, BEST^SM, and BRAIN SMART^SM WELLNESS PROGRAMS.