HABIT^® Program

The HABIT program was developed for people recently (under 1 year) diagnosed with amnestic MCI from a possible underlying neurodegenerative condition within the last year. The program is developed to benefit individuals with MCI, as well as, their partners/caregivers. It is important to note that all participants must have a partner to participate which can be a spouse, sibling or friend.

HABIT is a 10-day program, administered for two consecutive weeks (Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m). Participants will work with a multidisciplinary team made up of neuropsychologists, social workers, speech-language pathologists and certified yoga instructors in a group-based program.  Participants and a partner will attend five components each day, including:

• Memory Compensation Training
• Cognitive Exercise
• Yoga
• Wellness Education Series
• Support Group

1. Memory Compensation Training
   The HABIT memory compensation training involves learning to write things down – appointments, to dos, notes – in an organized way. Research shows that when a someone starts to experience the symptoms of MCI, they need compensatory strategies that are always available to help remember important information, such as appointments, medications and upcoming events.
2. Cognitive Exercise
   In the HABIT program, participants are introduced to computerized cognitive exercises that help concentration and thinking speed. Staying cognitively active and ‘exercising’ the brain helps to maintain, and even improve, cognition.
3. Yoga
   Physical exercise is beneficial for physical health, heart health, brain health and emotional well-being. In the HABIT program, participants are encouraged to begin a regular physical exercise routine. Managing stress is also beneficial to maximizing memory and thinking skills. During HABIT, participants will learn gentle chair-based yoga, to combine both the benefits of exercise and relaxation.
4.  Wellness Education Series
   The goal of the Wellness Education Series is :
   a) to provide up to date information about various topics of importance in MCI, including nutrition, sleep, future planning, and emotional health.
   b) to help participants make healthy lifestyle changes to help them thrive in spite of memory loss.
5. Support Group
   An MCI diagnosis affects both the diagnosed individual, as well as their support system. In HABIT, separate support groups are established for participants and their partners. Support Groups are a safe place to talk about things such as, “what does the future hold?” “How do I maintain a balance of safety and independence?” “How can I be a better partner?” or “When do I share this diagnosis with others?”