Lay Public View of Neuroscience and Science-Based Brain Health Recommendations in Slovenia

Public interest and engagement in care for brain health in Slovenia: the role of education

Background and objective

Knowledge gap theory posits that individuals with better education have better opportunities to obtain, understand and utilise available information. In a health-related context, this insight could lead to a more effective disease prevention. The aim of our study was to test the hypothesis that knowledge gap underlies differences in behaviour aimed at maintaining brain health.

Methods

We conducted an online survey investigating Slovenian public view on brain, brain research, and science-based recommendations for brain health. The survey was filled out by a total of 2,568 respondents, of whom 2,450 completed it in full. They were divided into two subgroups based on their self-reported brain-related education, i.e., the lay subgroup (n = 1,012) and a topically educated group (n = 1,438), i.e., the educated subgroup. Among the latter, 728 participants reported to have a Bachelor's degree or higher education. We analysed the views of this sample subgroup on brain, neuroscience, and science-based brain health recommendations, and compared them with age- and education-matched lay subgroup (n = 565) from the same survey.

Results

Educated individuals showed greater awareness and adherence to science-based recommendations compared to the lay respondents, specifically in the perceived importance of following a healthy diet, exercising, ensuring time for rest, relaxation and maintenance of social contacts, acquiring new knowledge and skills and using supplements that are considered to improve mental abilities (all p < 0.005), but not in the perceived importance of getting enough sleep, avoiding drugs and alcohol or injuries and performing mentally-challenging activities or cognitive training (all p > 0.10). Educated individuals more frequently reported following a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity and socialising, acquiring new knowledge and skills, performing mental challenges and cognitive training, and using supplements (all p < 0.005), but not getting sufficient sleep, avoiding drugs, alcohol or injury, or ensuring time for rest and relaxation (all p > 0.08). A larger proportion of lay than educated participants (32 and 17%, respectively) identified lack of information as a reason for not engaging in healthy practices (p < 0.001). Educated participants outperformed lay individuals in identifying diseases amenable to lifestyle modification.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences in brain health perceptions between educated and lay individuals is crucial for developing effective public health strategies. Our results highlight a substantial knowledge gap in the Slovenian population and the need for targeted educational interventions that account for varying degrees of knowledge in different population segments which could lead to better adherence to healthy lifestyle practices.

Perceptions about brain health among the United Arab Emirates population using the global brain survey: a cross-sectional study

Introduction

Interest in brain health and general well-being research has increased due to advances in neurosciences, and aging population's need for preventive health measures. However, there is limited research on perceptions and attitudes toward brain health in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a country with a unique demographic and cultural context. We aimed to assess self-reported practices, beliefs and attitudes toward brain health within the UAE population, identifying key factors influencing these views, and contributing to the global understanding of brain health in non-Western, high-income settings.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using the UAE-adapted Global Brain Health Survey, originally developed by the Lifebrain Consortium in Europe. The survey was distributed in both English and Arabic language via social media and the snowball technique. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and results of multivariable binary logistic regression.

Results

A total of 931 responses were recorded and analyzed. Overall, participants demonstrated a moderate understanding of brain health. Key factors that participants believed to influence brain health were physical health, sleep habits, substance use, and social environment. Older participants were more likely to engage in healthy lifestyle choices, while younger participants prioritized different activities. We also observed gender differences, with women less likely to engage in activities such as taking nutritional supplements and practicing relaxation techniques. Higher education and healthcare experience were linked to more informed perceptions of brain health.

Discussion

Our findings provide valuable insights into how cultural, social, and demographic factors influence the practices and beliefs toward brain health in the UAE. By adapting the Global Brain Health Survey for a Middle Eastern context, we demonstrate its cross-cultural applicability and contribute to the global discourse on brain health. Our results may inform future public health policies and interventions, highlighting the importance of tailored culturally sensitive strategies to promote brain health across different demographic groups, particularly in multicultural and rapidly aging societies.

Systematic review of what people know about brain health

OBJECTIVES

As we age our cognitive abilities can change. However, the degree of change experienced is influenced by a range of factors. To understand what the public know about risk and protective factors for cognitive ageing, a systematic review was conducted of studies considering what people know about brain health.

METHOD

The search strategy included quantitative and qualitative studies in English, including interviews, focus groups, questionnaires, surveys of beliefs about brain health (including predictions, opinions) in generally healthy adults. PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science were used for published peer-reviewed literature; and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses and National Grey Literature Collection, PsycExtra and Google searches for grey literature.

RESULTS

From 37,197 records, one hundred and one were included, comprising 71 quantitative (22 grey literature), 27 qualitative (1 grey literature) and 3 mixed-methods (1 grey literature). Studies were grouped into three themes: Concerns about cognitive ageing, Opportunities to promote brain health and Understanding dementia risk reduction and prevention.

DISCUSSION

Studies reported varying levels of knowledge of brain health, alongside some suggestions for brain health that were somewhat superficial and not always consistent with scientific consensus. There were differences between groups of participants who exhibited less knowledge of brain health, for example, men, older adults, those with lower education and incomes, and ethnic minorities. This review highlights the need for clear messaging around opportunities to promote brain health, including scientifically-endorsed lifestyle factors and more information on the mechanisms by which they operate.

People's interest in brain health testing: Findings from an international, online cross-sectional survey

Brain health entails mental wellbeing and cognitive health in the absence of brain disorders. The past decade has seen an explosion of tests, cognitive and biological, to predict various brain conditions, such as Alzheimer's Disease. In line with these current developments, we investigated people's willingness and reasons to-or not to-take a hypothetical brain health test to learn about risk of developing a brain disease, in a cross-sectional multilanguage online survey. The survey was part of the Global Brain Health Survey, open to the public from 4th June 2019 to 31st August 2020. Respondents were largely recruited via European brain councils and research organizations. 27,590 people responded aged 18 years or older and were predominantly women (71%), middle-aged or older (>40 years; 83%), and highly educated (69%). Responses were analyzed to explore the relationship between demographic variables and responses.

Results

We found high public interest in brain health testing: over 91% would definitely or probably take a brain health test and 86% would do so even if it gave information about a disease that cannot be treated or prevented. The main reason for taking a test was the ability to respond if one was found to be at risk of brain disease, such as changing lifestyle, seeking counseling or starting treatment. Higher interest in brain health testing was found in men, respondents with lower education levels and those with poor self-reported cognitive health.

Conclusion

High public interest in brain health and brain health testing in certain segments of society, coupled with an increase of commercial tests entering the market, is likely to put pressure on public health systems to inform the public about brain health testing in years to come.

Public perceptions of brain health: an international, online cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVES

To investigate public perspectives on brain health.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional multilanguage online survey.

SETTING

Lifebrain posted the survey on its website and social media and shared it with stakeholders. The survey was open from 4 June 2019 to 31 August 2020.

PARTICIPANTS

n=27 590 aged ≥18 years from 81 countries in five continents completed the survey. The respondents were predominantly women (71%), middle aged (41-60 years; 37%) or above (>60 years; 46%), highly educated (69%) and resided in Europe (98%).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Respondents' views were assessed regarding factors that may influence brain health, life periods considered important to look after the brain and diseases and disorders associated with the brain. We run exploratory linear models at a 99% level of significance to assess correlates of the outcome variables, adjusting for likely confounders in a targeted fashion.

RESULTS

Of all significant effects, the respondents recognised the impact of lifestyle factors on brain health but had relatively less awareness of the role socioeconomic factors might play. Most respondents rated all life periods as important for the brain (95%-96%), although the prenatal period was ranked significantly lower (84%). Equally, women and highly educated respondents more often rated factors and life periods to be important for brain health. Ninety-nine per cent of respondents associated Alzheimer's disease and dementia with the brain. The respondents made a connection between mental health and the brain, and mental disorders such as schizophrenia and depression were significantly more often considered to be associated with the brain than neurological disorders such as stroke and Parkinson's disease. Few respondents (<32%) associated cancer, hypertension, diabetes and arthritis with the brain.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in perceptions of brain health were noted among specific segments of the population. Policies providing information about brain-friendly health behaviours and targeting people less likely to have relevant experience may be needed.