What Is Cognitive Connections?
Cognitive Connections™ is a research-based, 7-week guided Cognitive Stimulation program designed to get the brain active and support thinking, language and confidence after a dementia diagnosis.
Over the seven weeks, you’ll work through 14 therapist-guided, evidence-based activities - two each week - together with a friend, family member or trusted support person.
Each activity has been purposefully designed to stimulate different areas of the brain and encourage the brain to stay active, adapt and strengthen connections. The aim is to support cognitive health, everyday function, independence and wellbeing as you move forward.
And these aren’t worksheets or activities designed to test your memory.
They’re adult-focused, interactive activities that encourage you to talk, share opinions, think, solve problems, make choices and be creative — while enjoying meaningful time together.
There’s no need to be sitting in front of a computer at a particular time. You simply choose a time that works for you both and work through the activity together.
It’s face-to-face. It’s flexible. It’s interactive. And most importantly, you do it together.
Designed to Stimulate
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Every activity has a purpose, with different activities designed to stimulate different combinations of skills.
Exercise works out our body
Cognitive Stimulation works out our brain™
Why I Created Cognitive Connections
When I was running Cognitive Stimulation groups, families would often tell me how different their person seemed during the activities. They were:
Talking more.
Sharing opinions.
Coming up with ideas.
Laughing.
Joining in.
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"How can we create this connection at home?"
Families kept asking me:
So I turned the evidence-based group program into a simple, step-by-step home program, with everything provided so you don’t have to plan or prepare.
"He is more comfortable sharing his opinions now."
L.T (Fremantle)
How the Program Works
Everything you need to confidently bring the benefits of Cognitive Stimulation to home.
Before You Start
You’ll receive a welcome video, followed by your printed handbook and curated activity kit, delivered to your door before the program begins.
Each Week
Work through two Cognitive Stimulation activities together, at a time that suits you.
Every week you'll receive a short coaching video from Amanda explaining the activities in more detail, with ideas to help you personalise them and feel confident getting started.
The videos are optional as everything you need is also provided in your handbook.
Every Fortnight
Have the opportunity to join Amanda for a live group Q&A, where you can ask questions, share what’s working and get guidance to help you adapt the activities for your person.
Keep Coming Back to It
You’ll have 6 months’ access to the digital coaching sessions, and best of all you get to keep your printed handbook and activity kit, so you can revisit favourite activities again and again.
See What a Session May Look Like
Enjoyed Together With a Cuppa
Cognitive Stimulation doesn't have to feel like therapy.
A session might be sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of tea or coffee, talking about a topic, looking through resources, solving a problem or sharing ideas.
Around 20–30 minutes. No tests. No pressure.
The activities provide the structure.
What You'll Receive
14 Cognitive Stimulation Activities
A complete 7-week program with two varied, adult-focused Cognitive Stimulation activities each week.
Beautiful Printed Handbook
Clear step-by-step instructions, conversation prompts, practical tips and guidance to adapt each activity.
Premium Physical Activity Kit
A hand-curated collection of adult-focused physical resources and activity materials — delivered to you and yours to keep.
Weekly Coaching With Amanda
A short video each week explaining two activities, what cognitive skills they stimulate and how you can personalise them.
Fortnightly Live Q&A Support
Ask questions, share what is working and receive practical guidance to adapt activities for your person.
Yours to Keep & Reuse
The seven weeks may finish. Your resources don't. Keep doing activities over and over again to support maintenance of skills.
Is Cognitive Connections Right for You?
A good fit if…
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You have someone who can regularly enjoy the activities with you.
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You want to actively support thinking and communication.
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You enjoy conversation, ideas and activities.
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You value therapist guidance rather than working everything out yourself.
May not be right if…
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You're looking for online brain training.
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There isn't someone available to regularly participate with you.
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Participating in structured conversation and activities is now very difficult.
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You are seeking individual clinical assessment or treatment.
Not sure? Amanda can help you decide before you enrol.
Feel confident knowing you are helping your person
while supporting family connection
"This program is amazing, the results are so rewarding for everyone engaging in them"
A.E (Kwinana)
"We had loads of laughs doing these activities."
" This program is amazing...it’s beautiful being able to help your family member with their cognitive function, we also had loads of laughs."
A.E (Kwinana)
"To be able to do this at home has been fantastic."
"I wanted to let you know how great it has been to be able to do this at home. Being able to do the activities when he is feeling up to it has been fantastic.."
L.T (Fremantle)
"We felt fully supported throughout the program"
"The entire program is wonderful and made even easier by the videos. We've felt fully supported throughout the program."
J.F (Perth)
Amanda Burnby,
Neurological Physiotherapist
Amanda brings more than 25 years' neurological physiotherapy experience together with her experience delivering Cognitive Stimulation Therapy.
Most importantly, Amanda guides you throughout the program, so you're not simply buying a box of activities.
You're learning how to create opportunities for thinking, communication, confidence and connection at home.