BrainFM ‐ Tuning into the Modifiable Risk Factors of Dementia

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundDespite increasing research focus on 12 modifiable risk factors (MRF) reducing dementia risk by 40% across the life course, translation from bench to the broader society is limited thereby rampaging fear and stigmatisation. Furthermore, an Irish study showed that dementia awareness in Ireland was lower in younger than older people. Therefore, identifying methods that support community education about MRF in an accessible and engaging manner are paramount. To this end, BrainFM, is an educational tool that combines multisensory didactic learning with embodied co‐creative experience to deliver content around the brain and brain health. The current project describes one particular session around MRF delivered to an intergenerational population during Brain Awareness Week at the Creative Brain Week Conference (CBW) at the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), Trinity College Dublin in March 2022.MethodsFour days of events highlighting the neuroscience behind three MRFs (hearing loss, social isolation and physical health) were co‐facilitated by Magda Kaczmarska, dancer and senior Atlantic Fellow and Dr. Anusha Yasoda‐Mohan, neuroscientist and current Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at GBHI (Photo1). While Dr. Yasoda‐Mohan explained the didactic content, Ms. Kaczmarska facilitated creative dance and movement activities tailored to reinforce the content (Photo2). These sessions were delivered both online and in‐person to (i) multidisciplinary, international attendees of CBW; (ii) people living with dementia and care partners; (iii) first grade class at St. Paul’s primary school, Navan, Ireland and (iv) general public of the Dublin Docklands community (Photo3).ResultsThe program was attended by 60 participants. Participant testimonials indicated heightened awareness and interest in proactive brain health and a feeling of community with fellow participants. Prominent clinical professionals engaging in co‐creative experience with artists and peers commented on how their understanding of an embodied connection was growing and influencing how they perceived other events of the week. Therefore, fostering interdisciplinary understanding supports innovation and solidarity around brain health in the community.ConclusionBrainFM was key in not only increasing mindfulness about the MRF and social connection but was also an advocate for the alliance between the arts and sciences as a powerful tool for expanding brain health literacy.