WELCOME TO THE SUN PHARMA SOLAR CPD ACTIVITY FOR PHARMACIES (Skills, Ongoing Learning, And Renewal)

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY

Each CPD activity has a duration of one (1) calendar month. A new CPD activity will replace the previous one at the start of each month.
This CPD activity promotion is valid for twelve (12) months.
It is the responsibility of the participating pharmacy to log the activity in order to redeem the CPD.
In compliance with POPIA, all participant data will be responsibly managed.
Sun Pharma reserves the right to cancel, modify, or amend the CPD activity at any time if deemed necessary, at their sole discretion, or if circumstances arise beyond their control.
Participants in this CPD activity hereby indemnify, release, and hold harmless Sun Pharma, its employees, and marketing agencies against any losses, claims, proceedings, actions, damages, liabilities, demands, expenses, or costs whatsoever arising from participation in this CPD activity, including harm, injury, or death.

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COGNITIVE WELLNESS

This CPD activity is designed to support pharmacists in enhancing their awareness of cognitive wellness.

Identified Learning Needs

Improve my understanding of mental wellness.
Increase awareness of cognitive health.
Understand the impact of depression on cognitive function.
Become familiar with the lifestyle choices that help promote cognitive wellness.

What you hope to achieve

Understand factors that affect mental wellness.
Understand the abilities that encompass cognitive health.
Identify cognitive symptoms associated with depression.
Give practical advice on lifestyle choices that help promote cognitive wellness.

Learning objectives

By the end of this CPD activity, I will be able to:

Explain what mental well-being is.
Describe the abilities that form part of cognitive health.
Recognise when cognitive deficits occur during depression
Support cognitive health with appropriate advice on lifestyle choices.

COGNITIVE WELLNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health is a state of mental well-being refers to a positive state of emotional, psychological, and social health. It is characterised by a sense of contentment, resilience, and the ability to effectively cope with life’s challenges. Mental well-being encompasses positive emotions, a sense of purpose, and the capacity to engage in fulfilling relationships and activities.^1,2

Mental health and brain health involve the harmonious coordination of cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioural functions.³ The different aspects of brain health include cognitive, motor (movement), emotional, tactile and sensory functions.⁴

Various factors can affect brain health, including:⁴

age-related changes in the brain
injuries such as stroke or traumatic brain injury
mood disorders such as depression
substance use disorder or addiction
diseases such as Alzheimer’s and related dementias

Understanding Cognitive Health

Cognitive health is not just about memory or intelligence; it encompasses a broad range of mental abilities. These include:⁵

Memory: The ability to retain and recall information.
Attention: The capacity to focus on tasks and ignore distractions.
Language: Communication skills and comprehension.
Problem-solving: Logical thinking and decision-making abilities.
Executive function: Planning, organising, and managing time effectively.

Maintaining optimal cognitive health is essential for a fulfilling life, as it directly impacts how we learn, work, interact with others, and navigate daily challenges.⁵

Depression and Cognitive Deficits

Depression is an example of a mood disorder that can cause cognitive symptoms such as:⁶

Negative or distorted thinking
Difficulty concentrating
Distractibility
Forgetfulness
Reduced reaction time
Memory loss
Indecisiveness

These symptoms can interfere with various areas of a person’s life, including work, school and relationships.⁶

Certain antidepressants, such as bupropion, has been shown to improve cognitive function in major depression. After eight weeks of treatment, it improved memory (visual and verbal) and executive functioning.⁷

Strategies for Enhancing Cognitive Health

Certain lifestyle choices can help promote cognitive wellness. These include:⁵

Regular physical exercise such as walking, strength training and aerobic exercises. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, stimulates the growth of new brain cells, and enhances the connections between them.
Nutrition plays a vital role in cognitive health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (such as omega-3 fatty acids) provides essential nutrients that support brain function. Sugar, saturated fats, and processed foods should be limited as they can impair cognitive abilities over time.
Sleep is essential for cognitive function, memory consolidation, and emotional well-being. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Mental stimulation through activities that challenge the brain. These include learning a new skill or language, solving puzzles or brain teasers, reading books, playing musical instruments, or participating in intellectually stimulating conversations.
Stress management. Chronic stress can have detrimental effects on cognitive function. Stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or spending time in nature help lower cortisol levels, improve mood, and enhance cognitive resilience.
Social Engagement. Maintaining social connections and participating in meaningful social activities are vital for cognitive health. Social interaction stimulates brain activity, reduces feelings of loneliness and depression, and improves overall mental well-being.
Seeking professional help for mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or cognitive decline is crucial. Therapy, counselling, or medication can effectively manage these conditions and improve cognitive function. It is essential to prioritise mental health and seek support when needed.

In today’s fast-paced world, where cognitive demands are high and distractions are plentiful, prioritising cognitive health is more important than ever. Pharmacists are ideally positioned to advise patients on effective strategies and encourage them to make it part of their daily routine to support brain health and function, leading to improved quality of life and overall well-being.

References:

Gautam S, Jain A, Chaudhary J, Gautam M, Gaur M, Grover S. Concept of mental health and mental well-being, it's determinants and coping strategies. Indian J Psychiatry. 2024 Jan;66(Suppl 2):S231-S244.
World Health Organization. Mental health. 11 September 2026. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response.
Ibanez A, Zimmer ER. Time to synergize mental health with brain health. Nat Ment Health. 2023 Jul;1(7):441-443.
National Institute on Aging. Cognitive health and older adults. 11 June 2024. Available from: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/brain-health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults.
Cognitive Health: Effective Strategies for Achieving Optimal Mental Wellness. 17 July 2024. Available from: https://iamacf.org/cognitive-health-effective-strategies-for-achieving-optimal-mental-wellness/.
Tartakovsky M. The cognitive symptoms of depression. Mental Health Matters. 2020;1:14-16.
Colwell MJ, Tagomori H, Chapman S, et al. Pharmacological targeting of cognitive impairment in depression: recent developments and challenges in human clinical research. Translational Psychiatry. 2022,12, Article No. 484.

Cognitive Wellness