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. This approach has been successfully applied to persons living with stroke through the PAVING the Path to Wellness Program. Details about this program and its potential application to chronic brain injury will be presented.

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 self-management approach to stroke will be presented and the potential applications for chronic brain injury explored.