What motivates people to look after their brain health? Insights from the Global Brain Health Survey

Abstract

Brain health is a relatively new concept encompassing mental and cognitive health. Good brain health involves both mental wellbeing and normal brain function, in the absence of brain disease. The current public report is based on answers from more than 27 000 people in Europe and elsewhere, and provides insight in factors motivating people to look after their brain. The report finds that the prospect of experiencing symptoms of cognitive or mental decline was a key motivation to undertake lifestyle changes, even more so than having been diagnosed with a brain disorder. Further, half of the respondents would be motivated by knowing that lifestyle changes are beneficial for brain health. Motivations to make lifestyle changes varied across sociodemographic and individual characteristics. Our results suggest that it may be harder to convince older people to change habits than younger people. The report is authored by members of the Lifebrain consortium at the University of Oslo and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. The report is highly relevant for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and caregivers seeking to motivate patients and members of the public to look after their brain health.