Abstract
Background: Brain health is a multi-faceted concept used to describe brain physiology, cognitive function, mental health and well-being. Diseases of the brain account for one third of the global burden of disease and are becoming more prevalent as populations age. Diet, social interaction as well as physical and cognitive activity are lifestyle factors that can potentially influence facets of brain health. Yet, there is limited knowledge about the population's awareness of brain health and willingness to change lifestyle to maintain a healthy brain. This paper introduces the Global Brain Health Survey protocol, designed to assess people's perceptions of brain health and factors influencing brain health.Methods: The Global Brain Health Survey is an anonymous online questionnaire available in 14 languages to anyone above the age of 18 years. Questions focus on (1) willingness and motivation to maintain or improve brain health, (2) interest in learning more about individual brain health using standardized tests, and (3) interest in receiving individualized support to take care of own brain health. The survey questions were developed based on results from a qualitative interview study investigating brain health perceptions among participants in brain research studies. The survey includes 28 questions and takes 15–20 min to complete. Participants provide electronically informed consent prior to participation. The current survey wave was launched on June 4, 2019 and will close on August 31, 2020. We will provide descriptive statistics of samples distributions including analyses of differences as a function of age, gender, education, country of residence, and we will examine associations between items. The European Union funded Lifebrain project leads the survey in collaboration with national brain councils in Norway, Germany, and Belgium, Brain Foundations in the Netherlands and Sweden, the National University of Ostroh Academy and the Women's Brain Project.Discussion: Results from this survey will provide new insights in peoples' views on brain health, in particular, the extent to which the adoption of positive behaviors can be encouraged. The results will contribute to the development of policy recommendations for supporting population brain health, including measures tailored to individual needs, knowledge, motivations and life situations.
Highlights
Brain diseases represent a significant public health challenge [1]
The draft questionnaire was discussed at a separate meeting during the same day with volunteers participating in the advisory group of the Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience (CamCAN) study [60]
We hope that the Global Brain Health Survey will contribute to increase awareness of brain health, which still receives limited attention from policymakers despite its importance for public health
Summary
In Europe, 165 million people live with a brain disorder, amounting to a cost of 800 billion euros per year [2]. Worldwide, neurological disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, brain tumors, and dementias are the second leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability [3]. Mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia affect about one third of the global population across the lifespan [4] and are associated with 10 years shorter life expectancy [5]. Social interaction as well as physical and cognitive activity are lifestyle factors that can potentially influence facets of brain health. This paper introduces the Global Brain Health Survey protocol, designed to assess people’s perceptions of brain health and factors influencing brain health
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