A growing body of evidence indicates that brain injury is a chronic, yet dynamic, condition. A "disease management" approach (BeHEALTHY) has been delineated to provide a proactive model for lifelong management of brain injury. This model, the National Institute on Disability Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research funded BeHEALTHY project, will be described. Essential elements of the BeHEALTHY model include brain health and self-management. Evidence indicates that “brain health” can reduce cognitive decline and promote healthy aging. It is thought that optimizing brain health may be particularly important in the years following brain injury. A Lifestyle Medicine approach promotes brain health through its 6 pillars: plant-based nutrition, physical activity, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, restorative sleep and social connections. Supported self-management refers to education and support provided to individuals and their family members to help them live with chronic health conditions. Self-management support includes education to increase awareness and understanding about a disease and one’s role in decision making, management, and health behaviors. Experience with the application of a lifestyle medicine approach and self-management approach to stroke will be described as well as the potential applications to chronic brain injury due to other causes.

This presentation will review research supporting the conclusion that brain injury is a chronic, yet dynamic, condition.

Components of a so called "disease management" approach will be delineated and a proactive model for lifelong management of brain injury will be described. The National Institute on Disability Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research funded BeHEALTHY project will be described including accomplishments to date and forthcoming activities.