Objective: To evaluate the implementation, feasibility, and perceived benefits of the BC Brain Wellness Program (BCBWP), an interdisciplinary lifestyle-based intervention designed to support the quality of life of individuals living with chronic brain conditions, their care partners, and older adults in British Columbia.

Background: With rising prevalence of chronic neurological conditions, there is a need to establish programs that are accessible, holistic and barrier free to sustain quality of life and to promote healthy aging regardless of underlying conditions (figure 1). The BCBWP was launched in 2019 as an extension to clinical activities at the outpatient clinics of the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health at the University of British Columbia. The BCBWP supports individuals throughout British Columbia living with chronic brain conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, dystonia etc., their care partners, and older adults with lifestyle-based interventions for prevention and holistic health management. The BCBWP offers online group programming that is function-based rather than condition-specific, requires no referral, and is free of charge.

Method: When joining the program, participants sign up for an individual online functional assessment, which includes outcome measures validated for use in a virtual health setting. The participants are offered an evidence-informed selection of approximately 30 live online classes each semester including exercise, nutrition, cognitive health, music, arts, coping skills, and care partner classes as well as educational events offered by an interdisciplinary team (figure 2). Participant retention is monitored through attendance. Surveys are sent out upon intake and at the end of each term to collect participant reported benefits and satisfaction rate on the program.

Results: 1,418 participants have participated in BCBWP in 2025 (figure 3). 97% of participants have reported high program satisfaction, and 98% reported perceived benefits in physical, cognitive, mental, and social health as well as improved condition management.

Conclusion: The BCBWP has effectively implemented an innovative, group-based model aimed at enhancing well-being and functional outcomes for individuals living with chronic brain conditions and their care partners.

Figure 1

Figure 2

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/assessing-an-inclusive-online-lifestyle-based-intervention-program-that-supports-british-columbians-living-with-chronic-neurological-conditions-their-care-partners-and-healthy-agers/