Protocol for investigating brain health risk and protective factors in 18‐40 year olds: The PREVENT Next Generation study

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundEvidence suggests that the early detection and management of modifiable risk factors can reduce, or partially prevent, incidence of neurodegenerative diseases. While there is consensus that risk factors should be addressed as early as possible, research has largely focused on childhood or mid‐ and later‐life. As a result, there is a significant gap in our understanding of risk (and protective) factors in younger adulthood, as well as attitudes towards brain health in this group. The PREVENT Next Generation (PNG) study builds on the PREVENT Dementia project to investigate risk and protective factors in 18‐40 year olds.MethodThe first phase of the PNG study will establish a foundational understanding of knowledge and attitudes towards brain health and risk reduction among adults aged 18‐40 years. We will conduct focus groups with adults aged 18‐40 years with and without a family history of neurodegenerative disease (n = 10 per group). Participants will be recruited via links with volunteer and community centre enterprises in the UK. To ensure inclusion of equitable perspectives, we will emphasise recruitment of diverse populations, including racialized and neurodiverse communities, and those with lower socioeconomic status. Focus groups will be recorded and transcribed. Data will be analysed using thematic analyses.ResultThemes identified will be used to inform the next phase of the PNG study, which is to develop and distribute an online survey about brain health to an international sample of adults aged 18‐40 years.ConclusionSurvey findings will inform the development of a large cohort study aimed at identifying biological, psychological and lifestyle factors that influence brain health in adults up to mid‐life.