Target Audience: Affordable Senior Housing; Service Coordinators; Assisted Living/Personal Care; Clinical; Home Care + HCBS

The number of Americans with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) was estimated to be 12.23 million in 2020 and is expected to increase to 21.55 million by 2060. More than 90% of those with MCI are undiagnosed or unaware. While MCI is often a precursor to dementia, it also offers an opportunity for early detection and treatment of cognitive decline before deficits become more pronounced and progress to dementia or other debilitating conditions. With approximately 7 million people currently living with dementia, and this number is expected to double by 2050, effective programs focusing on risk reduction and the avoidance or delay of a dementia diagnosis can enhance independence, improve quality of life, and avoid sizable financial costs for society.In this session, participants will learn about how MCI programming can help address these needs. MCI café programs are a low-cost, multi-faceted approach to non-pharmacological interventions for those with concerns of MCI. Following best practices for health promotion and learning, the in-person learning cafés provide opportunities to utilize approaches that support lifestyle changes, enhance independence, and potentially delay progression of cognitive impairment. Session participants will explore MCI café measurable goals for success, including increasing dementia screening and physician referrals, enhancing knowledge and healthy behaviors, and delaying neurocognitive impairment progression in individuals with MCI.