Evidence-Based Cognitive Health
Your brain can adapt.
Science can show you how.
Whether you're navigating chemo brain, acquired executive dysfunction, or simply want to learn how to protect and strengthen your mind as you age — this is your research-backed starting point.
About Cindy
Helping you work with your brain, not against it
I work with individuals who have experienced acquired cognitive changes — from oncology recovery and treatment-related cognitive impairment to executive dysfunction from adverse drug events, brain injury, neurological conditions, or aging. My approach is grounded in peer-reviewed science and built around practical, real-life strategies you can actually use.
Executive dysfunction affects your brain's "internal manager" — planning, task initiation, working memory, and emotional regulation. You cannot simply try harder. But you can redesign your environment and daily routines to work with the brain you have right now.
Get in TouchWho This Is For
Conditions we work with
Executive dysfunction and acquired cognitive changes arise from many causes. This work is for anyone navigating the gap between how their brain used to work and how it works now — whatever the origin.
Not sure if your situation fits? Reach out — if it involves the brain, we can talk. · See targeted recovery strategies for each condition →
What We Cover
The six pillars of cognitive recovery & lifelong learning
These foundational habits rebuild brain pathways after injury and maintain mental sharpness as you age. They leverage neuroplasticity — the brain's ability to adapt and rewire itself throughout life.
Cognitive Training
Brain exercises like puzzles, reading, or learning a new instrument create fresh neural connections.
Physical Exercise
Aerobic movement boosts blood flow to brain cells and releases BDNF — the brain's growth fertilizer.
Balanced Nutrition
Diets rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids protect neurons and reduce chronic brain inflammation.
Restorative Sleep
Deep rest clears metabolic toxins from the brain and consolidates the day's memories into long-term storage.
Social Engagement
Meaningful interactions stimulate complex mental processing and protect against cognitive decline.
Stress Management
Practices like meditation and breathwork lower cortisol — a hormone that physically damages memory centers when chronically elevated.
🧩 How they work together
Mental Stimulation
Learning new skills creates new neural connections. The brain must be challenged with unfamiliar tasks — not just activities you already do well.
Physiological Support
Exercise releases BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) — a protein that acts like fertilizer for your brain, helping new neurons grow and survive.
Protection & Maintenance
Sleep acts as the brain's waste-clearance system. Combined with healthy nutrition and low stress, it prevents the chronic inflammation that slows cognitive processing.
For Recovery
Speeds up healing after concussions, strokes, oncology treatment, or burnout.
For Aging
Builds "cognitive reserve" — a buffer that delays the onset of dementia symptoms.
For Daily Life
Improves focus, memory retention, and problem-solving for everyone — right now.
Explore Each Pillar
Your seven-pillar action plan
Each card below links directly to research-backed strategies and practical tools.
Executive Function & Chemo Brain
Understanding how chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment and acquired executive dysfunction affect planning, memory, focus, and daily life.
- Professional rehabilitative interventions (OT, SLP, GMT)
- Neuropsychological assessment & targeted therapy
- Pharmacological considerations under medical guidance
Environmental Scaffolding
When the brain's internal monitoring system weakens, external structures must replace it. Design your environment to do the work for you.
- Centralized digital systems & visual calendars
- Physical whiteboards & visual anchor points
- The "One-Thing" Rule & low-stimulus workspaces
Gut–Brain Connection
Nutrition, hydration, and gut health have a direct, measurable impact on cognitive clarity, focus, and emotional regulation.
- Hydration strategies for neurodivergent adults
- Protein's role in cognitive function
- Mental game: habit change and willpower science
Exercise for Brain Health
Aerobic activity and resistance training produce some of the most robust cognitive benefits available without a prescription.
- Weight lifting: brain and bone health benefits
- Flexibility and gentle movement for older adults
- How exercise reduces neuro-inflammation
Learning & Neuroplasticity
Novel experiences and structured learning physically reshape the brain. The science of lifelong learning is actionable at any age.
- Why executive function is the foundation of learning
- Novel experiences and neuroplasticity
- Time management and its role in cognitive growth
Time Management
Structured time management is a neurological intervention — not just a productivity tool. It preserves working memory and prevents cognitive overload.
- Time auditing & energy mapping exercises
- The "Top 3" prioritization drill
- External scaffolding tools & digital planners
Daily Tools & App Guides
Practical, step-by-step systems that reduce cognitive load rather than adding to it. Printable checklists and app configuration guides.
- Morning setup, task execution, evening shutdown
- Goblin.tools, Tiimo/Structured, Medisafe setup
- Energy–cognition mapping
Free Resource
The At-Home Daily Checklist
A three-part daily dashboard designed for high visual scannability. Print it, put it on a whiteboard at eye level, and let the structure carry the cognitive load — not your brain.
Research Library
Evidence-based resources, organized by topic
Every resource below is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, leading medical institutions, or established clinical organizations.
🔬 Clinical & Rehabilitative
🏠 At-Home & Practical Guides
🌿 Gut–Brain Connection
🏋️ Exercise & Brain Health
📚 Learning & Neuroplasticity
Work With Me
Let's talk about your situation
Whether you're supporting a loved one, navigating your own recovery, or looking for evidence-based coaching on cognitive health — I'd love to connect.
I typically respond within 2 business days.