Cognitive health and mental health are different topics, yet they are often mistakenly communicated together in the emerging industry. To discuss cognitive health and psychological healthcare, MedEdge MEA had the opportunity to interview Dr Mohita Shrivastava, Founder and CEO of ‘The Cognitome Program’, Cognitome LLC. This conversation highlighted the importance of cognitive health and shared insights into a unique program started by Dr Shrivastava, a leading expert in the field.
MedEdge MEA: What inspired you to develop the ‘Cognitome Program’, and how has your neuroscience background influenced its design?
Dr Mohita Shrivastava: The rationale behind the Cognitome program is the age-old, rooted philosophy of Rene Descartes, ‘Cogito Ergo Sum’- “I think, therefore I Exist’! Agreeing with the fact that ‘Cognitive health is the foundation of lifelong learning’, The greatest inspiration for me to develop the Cognitome Program- a neuroscientific cognitive rehabilitation and brain training program was my intense desire to enhance or improve one’s cognition, cognitive control and cognitive abilities or executive functions thereby serving the clients with neuroscientific self-reliant novel strategies as a therapeutic tool to help them recover or manage their optimal cognitive functioning.
Another motivation for me to develop this program was to create awareness among the masses about cognitive health (which is not mental health) as well as to ensure educational understanding about cognition and cognitive functions, by improving and enhancing peak performance in higher cognitive domains viz; problem-solving, critical thinking, decision-making, strategic planning, cognitive flexibility and creativity.
The program is tailored to specific cognitive goals ensuring that the exercises and activities included are grounded in empirical neuroscientific evidence and have been shown to produce measurable cognitive benefits. It offers therapeutic interventions and management for the brain, mind and behavioural issues in terms of cognitive control, cognitive training and cognitive rehabilitation/remediation therapy, neuroscientific mindfulness approaches, brain wave entrainment, awareness, talks, educational sessions and global research initiatives.
ME: How do cognitive and mental health differ, and why is understanding this vital for well-being?
MS: Cognitive health is the cornerstone of well-being, personal growth and professional success. It describes the ability of our brain in terms of intact, and proper cognition and cognitive functioning. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), ‘Cognition includes all forms of knowing and awareness, such as perceiving, conceiving, remembering, reasoning, judging, imagining, and problem-solving’. So, Cognitive health refers to the brain’s ability to perform higher mental processes, such as thinking, learning, memory, perception, and problem-solving. Cognitive health can be measured by performance on cognitive tasks, specifically devised for memory, reasoning, focus, attention, inhibitory control etc. Factors like genetic predisposition, one’s current environment, and lifestyle might affect one’s cognitive skills and activities of daily living, for instance, memory, information processing, and the ability to perform everyday tasks, such as driving, paying bills, taking medicine, cooking etc by impacting overall quality of life.
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On the other hand, ‘Mental health is a state of mind characterized by emotional well-being, good behavioural adjustment, relative freedom from anxiety, depression and related disabling symptoms, along with a capacity to establish constructive relationships and cope with the ordinary demands and stresses of life.’ As per the American Psychological Association (APA), ‘Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being.’ It influences our emotions, feelings and behaviour in terms of mood regulation, coping with stress/stressors, relationships, and work. Mental health can be assessed by examining mood, feelings, behaviour, emotional stability, symptoms of anxiety or depression in general, and overall life satisfaction.
ME: How can neuroplasticity enhance cognitive functions and aid in recovery from neurological conditions?
MS: Neuroplasticity, also known as brain plasticity, refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This remarkable capability enables the brain to adapt to new experiences, learn new information, and recover from injuries. A multitude of research evidence suggests that by exploiting our brain’s unique ability of neuroplasticity and cognitive plasticity (the brain’s adaptability and dependence on executive functions), we can improve or enhance cognition, cognitive abilities and cognitive functions with a smooth stride. The Cognitome program is therefore, guided by the concept of neuroplasticity and cognitive plasticity, to unlock one’s cognitive potential and facilitate cognitive enhancement by leveraging the brain’s neuroplasticity.
‘The Cognitome Program ensures adaptability for diverse populations in terms of emerging technologies, personalised learning approaches, tailored exercises and culturally inclusive practices suitable for different age groups’
Dr Mohita Shrivastava, Founder and CEO of ‘The Cognitome Program’
ME: What future advancements are planned for the Cognitome Program, and how will it adapt to diverse populations?
MS: At Cognitome LLC, using the Cognitome Program approach, while designing a specific cognitive training program tailored to diverse populations viz; teens and Youngs, adults, geriatrics population, patients of psychological and neurological disorder (needing cognitive rehabilitation therapeutics, management and support) and most importantly for the corporates and working professionals. Here are some potential future developments and strategies for tailoring programs to meet the needs of diverse populations:
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: A more sophisticated AI can utilize adaptive learning algorithms and predictive analytics to provide highly personalized training experiences by dynamically adjusting difficulty levels, types of exercises, and pacing based on real-time user data and learning patterns.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): VR and AR can create immersive, realistic scenarios for cognitive training, offering experiences that are more engaging and can mimic real-world tasks. Plus, simulated social interactions can be used to simulate complex social situations, helping users practice social cognition and emotional regulation.
Neurofeedback and Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs): At Cognitome we are already using sophisticated programs for neurofeedback and brain mapping for Real-Time Cognitive Monitoring, assessments and training. Direct Neural Interaction: BCIs could potentially allow users to interact with the program directly through neural signals, providing new ways to engage in cognitive training.
