Online videos promote brain health literacy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabina Brennan ◽  
Una Geary ◽  
Silvia Elena Gallagher
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Health Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Online Networks ◽  
The Public ◽  
Dementia Risk

Abstract Misinformation and lack of understanding of memory loss, dementia and brain health are barriers to dementia risk reduction and timely health seeking behaviour. Online video technology for health promotion has been popularised with the increase in online networks, improved access to technology, and the rise of online health seeking behaviour. However, an understanding of the efficacy of this technology in the context of brain health awareness in older adults is lacking. This research explored whether three short brain health animations could reduce worry, impart new knowledge, and promote behavioural change in older adults. Methods: Participants (8,179) completed an online survey pre- and post-engagement with three animated films. Results: Level of worry significantly decreased, and over half of the participants indicated that they intended to change their behaviour after watching the videos. The majority of participants indicated they had learned something new from the videos, and found the videos enjoyable. Regression analysis described how participants who reported learning from the videos were more likely to report behavioural change. In addition, enjoyment significantly predicated outcomes of learning and behaviour change. Conclusions: our research suggests that short animated brain health films are effective in educating the public about memory, attention and brain health, may motivate people to make changes in lifestyle, and possibly reduce stigma towards dementia.

Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of the Lifestyle, Exercise and Diet (LEAD) Study: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of a Combined Exercise and Diet Intervention in Older Adults with Vascular Risk Factors and Early Dementia Risk

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noah Koblinsky ◽  
Nicole Anderson ◽  
Fatim Ajwani ◽  
Matthew Parrott ◽  
Deirdre Dawson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Vascular Risk ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Dietary Counselling ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Early Dementia ◽  
Cluster Randomized

Abstract Background: Healthy diet and exercise are associated with reduced risk of dementia in older adults. Evidence for the impact of clinical trials on brain health is less consistent, especially with dietary interventions which often rely on varying intervention approaches. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 6-month intervention combining exercise with a novel dietary counselling approach among older adults with vascular risk factors (VRFs) and early dementia risk. Methods: Participants with VRF’s and SCD or early MCI were cluster randomized into the intervention (exercise + Baycrest Brain-healthy Eating Approach (EX+DIET)) or control group (exercise + brain health education (EX+ED)). Both groups participated in 1-hour of supervised exercise per week and were prescribed additional exercise at home. EX+DIET involved 1-hour per week of group-based dietary counselling comprising didactic education focused on brain healthy eating recommendations, goal setting and strategy training. Whereas, EX+ED involved 1-hour per week of group-based brain health education. The primary outcome was change in hippocampal volume from baseline to 6 months. Secondary outcomes included fitness, diet, cognition, and blood biomarkers. Recruitment challenges and early discontinuation of the trial due to COVID-19 necessitated a revised focus on feasibility and preliminary efficacy. Results: Of 190 older adults contacted, 14 (7%) were eligible and randomized, constituting 21% of our recruitment target. All participants completed the intervention and attended 90% of exercise and diet/education sessions on average. All 6-month follow-up assessments pre-COVID-19 were completed but disruptions to testing during the pandemic resulted in incomplete data collection. No serious adverse events occurred and all participants expressed positive feedback about the intervention. Mean improvements in peak oxygen consumption were observed in both EX+DIET (d = .98) and EX+ED (d =1.15) groups. Substantial improvements in diet and HbA1c were observed in the EX+DIET group compared to EX+ED (d = 1.75 and 1.07, respectively). Conclusions: High adherence and retention rates were observed among LEAD participants and preliminary findings illustrate improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and diet quality. These results indicate that a larger trial is feasible if difficulties surrounding recruitment can be mitigated. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03056508

Clusters of Dementia Literacy: Implications from a Survey of Older Adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Y. Barak ◽  
C. Rapsey ◽  
K.M. Scott
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Telephone Survey ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Graduate Degree ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Dementia Prevention

Clinicians and scientists suggest that up to 40% of dementia cases are potentially preventable. Data on awareness of dementia risk and protective factor among older adults can inform and facilitate designing educational interventions to prevent dementia. We aimed to quantify awareness of dementia risk and protective factors using a telephone survey. The modified Lifestyle for Brain Health scale was used to assess dementia risk and prevention knowledge. A representative sample of 1,005 older adults, mean age 64.02 (standard deviation + 1.4; range: 50-74 years) completed the survey (77% response rate). Under representation of non-European ethnicities was noted. Participants Respondents were all New Zealanders, more women (n=518, 51.5%), mostly European (n=921, 91.6%) and well educated (n=347, 34.5%, university or post-graduate degree). Only 6/14 modifiable risk or protective factors for dementia were adequately identified. Three clusters of dementia literacy were identified: psychosocial, medical and activities. These findings support personalizing dementia prevention efforts via targeted educational packages.

The Dunedin dementia risk awareness project: pilot study in older adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoram Barak ◽  
Andrew R. Gray ◽  
Charlene Rapsey ◽  
Kate Scott
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Postgraduate Qualification

ABSTRACTAims:The USA and UK governmental and academic agencies suggest that up to 35% of dementia cases are preventable. We canvassed dementia risk and protective factor awareness among New Zealand older adults to inform the design of a larger survey.Method:The modified Lifestyle for Brain Health scale quantifying dementia risk was introduced to a sample of 304 eligible self-selected participants.Results:Two hundred and sixteen older adults (≥50 years), with mean ± standard deviation age 65.5 ± 11.4 years (50–93 years), completed the survey (71% response rate). Respondents were mostly women (n = 172, 80%), European (n = 207, 96%), and well educated (n = 100, 46%, with a tertiary qualification; including n = 17, 8%, with a postgraduate qualification). Around half of the participants felt that they were at a future risk of living with dementia (n = 101, 47%), and the majority felt that this would change their lives significantly (n = 205, 95%), that lifestyle changes would reduce their risk (n = 197, 91%), and that they could make the necessary changes (n = 189, 88%) and wished to start changes soon (n = 160, 74%). Only 4 of 14 modifiable risk or protective factors for dementia were adequately identified by the participants: physical exercise (81%), depression (76%), brain exercises (75%), and social isolation (83%). Social isolation was the commonly cited risk factor for dementia, while physical exercise was the commonly cited protective factor. Three clusters of brain health literacy were identified: psychosocial, medical, and modifiable.Conclusion:The older adults in our study are not adequately knowledgeable about dementia risk and protective factors. However, they report optimism about modifying risks through lifestyle interventions.

scholarly journals Music and Brain Health: Recommendations From the Global Council on Brain Health, an AARP Collaborative

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 783-784
Author(s):  
Sarah Lock
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Music Participation ◽  
The Public ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Consensus Report

Abstract Music is a complex auditory stimulus that resonates on a physiological, psychological, and spiritual level for people around the world. This symposium will provide highlights from the Global Council on Brain Health consensus report aimed at helping the public to understand the potential that music holds for supporting and enriching brain health. The Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH) is an independent collaborative of scientists, clinicians, scholars, and policy experts convened by AARP to provide evidence-based advice on what people and professionals can do to maintain and improve brain health. The Council translates scientific research into actionable recommendations for the public that will help drive behavior change in individuals across communities and cultures. Issue specialists from around the world were brought together to build consensus, issue recommendations, and offer practical tips. Moreover, we will feature research from our issue experts and provide an overview of the impact of music participation on older adults, including those with dementia. Data from surveys fielded by AARP research, developed in consultation with the GCBH, will also be featured. In sum, this presentation will highlight the work of the Council at the forefront of this international effort to translate advancements in brain health research to the wider public, with an emphasis on individuals aged50 and older.

scholarly journals Potential causal effect of physical activity on reducing the risk of dementia: a 6-year cohort study from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Koryu Sato ◽  
Naoki Kondo ◽  
Masamichi Hanazato ◽  
Taishi Tsuji ◽  
Katsunori Kondo
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Causal Effect ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Term Care ◽  
The Public ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Long Term Care Insurance ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Background The causal effect of physical activity on reducing dementia risk has been questioned due to the possibility of reverse causation. This study examined the potential causal effects of physical activity on reducing dementia risk using residency in a snowy area as an instrumental variable (IV) representing the physical activity of older adults. Methods We used cohort data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study, a longitudinal cohort enrolling people aged 65 or older who were physically and cognitively independent in 2013; study participants were followed for an average of 5.7 years. Participants in the present study included 73,260 individuals living in 19 municipalities in Japan. Physical activity was measured by self-report questionnaires and the incidence of dementia was ascertained by linking participants to the public registries of long-term care insurance. IV estimation was obtained from a piecewise Cox proportional hazard model using a two-stage regression procedure. Results During the study period, we ascertained 8714 cases (11.9%) of dementia onset. In the IV analysis, we found that the frequency of physical activity per week was negatively associated with dementia risk, though the association weakened over time (Year 1: hazard ratio = 0.53, 95% confidence interval: 0.39–0.74; Year 4: 0.69, 0.53–0.90; Year 6: 0.85, 0.66–1.10). Conclusions Our IV analysis indicated a potential causal effect of physical activity on reducing dementia risk that persisted for at least 4 years of follow-up. Thus, we conclude that physical activity should be recommended for older adults to reduce dementia risk.

scholarly journals Insight into the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Multi-lifestyle Dementia Risk Intervention

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 980-981
Author(s):  
Laura Dodds ◽  
Joyce Siette
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lifestyle Change ◽  
Program Improvement ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Innovative Program ◽  
Gender Education ◽  
Theoretical Sampling ◽  
Intervention Acceptability ◽  
English Speaking

Abstract Lifestyle interventions based on behaviour change principles may provide a useful mechanism in reducing dementia risk amongst older adults, however intervention acceptability remains relatively unexplored. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of BRAIN BOOTCAMP, an Australian initiative aiming to improve dementia literary and reduce dementia risk by delivering a brain health box addressing multiple lifestyle factors through education, physical prompts and an individualised brain health profile. Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with participants (N=94) at completion of the program (3-months) using a theoretical sampling approach to select a range of participants with varying brain health scores, age, gender, education and locality. Interview topics included participants’ overall experience and suggestions for program improvement. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Participants were mostly female (79%), with a mean age of 72.6 years (SD=5.4), from an English-speaking background (89.4%) and resided in metropolitan areas (76.6%). Participants positively perceived the program, resulting in high usability and acceptability. Valuable aspects included building dementia awareness in an innovative way, and having re-assessments which identified areas for personal improvement. Participants further discussed how the program prompted lifestyle change, including setting goals (e.g., physical activity) and facilitated a general awareness of their brain health. Suggested improvements included shorter surveys, regular check-ins, and specific tailoring of the program to be more inclusive for older adults with varying levels of health. Our study demonstrated that a simple, innovative program could be a promising medium for delivering comprehensive educational resources and induce lifestyle change for older adults.

scholarly journals Parents’ experiences with a sick or injured child during the COVID-19 lockdown: an online survey in the Netherlands

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e055811
Author(s):  
Chantal D Tan ◽  
Eveline K Lutgert ◽  
Sarah Neill ◽  
Rachel Carter ◽  
Ray B Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Chronic Condition ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Severity Of Illness ◽  
Health Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Injured Child ◽  
Parents Experiences

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on parents’ health-seeking behaviour and care for a sick or injured child in the Netherlands.Design and settingAn online survey on parents’ experiences with a sick or injured child during the COVID-19 lockdown periods was disseminated through social media.ParticipantsParents living in the Netherlands with a sick or injured child during the lockdown periods from March to June 2020 and from December 2020 to February 2021 were eligible to participate.Outcome measuresDescriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyse family and children’s characteristics, parents’ response to a sick or injured child, and the perceived impact of the lockdown on child’s severity of illness and treatment reported by parents. Analyses were stratified for children with and without chronic conditions.ResultsOf the 105 parents who completed the survey, 83% reported they would have sought medical help before lockdown compared with 88% who did seek help during lockdown for the same specific medical problem. Parents reported that changes in health services affected their child’s severity of illness (31%) and their treatment (39%), especially for children with chronic conditions. These changes included less availability of healthcare services and long waiting lists, which mostly led to worsening of the child’s illness. During lockdown, there was no change in health-seeking behaviour by parents of children with a chronic condition (N=51) compared with parents of children without a chronic condition.ConclusionParents in the Netherlands who completed the survey were not deterred from seeking medical help for their sick or injured child during the COVID-19 lockdown periods. However, changes in health services affected child’s severity of illness and treatment, especially for children with chronic conditions.

scholarly journals Podcasts and YouTube Videos: Innovative Tools for Disseminating Mental Health and Dementia Education to the Public

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 506-506
Author(s):  
Regina Koepp ◽  
Natali Edmonds
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Public Education ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Public ◽  
Youtube Videos ◽  
Access Information ◽  
Dementia Education

Abstract This symposium will discuss two examples of innovative public education tools used to disseminate evidence-based information to the general public about mental health and aging and Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. The first is the Psychology of Aging Podcast hosted by Regina Koepp, Clinical Geropsychologist. Since it’s launch in April 2020, there have been 50 weekly episodes and more than total 25,000 downloads. The goal of the Psychology of Aging podcast is to facilitate access to information and education about mental health and brain health among older adults with the hope of de-stigmatizing mental health care for older adults, reducing ageism, and promoting access to mental health and dementia care for older adults and their families. The second is Dementia Careblazers, created and hosted by Dr. Natali Edmonds, board certified Geropsychologist. The goal of Dementia Careblazers videos is to offer easy to access information to family members who care for someone with dementia. In her weekly videos, Dr. Edmonds provides actionable, evidence-based information and resources focused on dementia caregiving in brief videos. Since it’s launch on YouTube November 2016, Dementia Careblazers, has 65,000 subscribers, has posted 231 videos, and has had more than 4 million views nationally and internationally. Drs. Koepp and Edmonds will discuss the role podcasts and YouTube videos play in public education and share tips for professionals wanting to start an evidence-based program of their own. This virtual modality may be of increased interest considering recent health risks through face to face interactions and advancements in technology.

scholarly journals Health seeking behaviour, delayed presentation and its impact among oral cancer patients in Pakistan: a retrospective qualitative study

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Basharat ◽  
Babar Tasneem Shaikh ◽  
Haroon Ur Rashid ◽  
Mamoon Rashid
Keyword(s):  
Oral Cancer ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Delayed Presentation ◽  
Health Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Tertiary Care Facility ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Delayed diagnosis of Oral Cancer (OC) can mean a difference in quality and expectancy of life for the patient. This delay could be from the healthcare side, or more importantly from the patient’s side. Globally, there are studies enumerating the causes for delays from the patients’ side in seeking healthcare for Oral Cancer; however, no similar research is found in the context of Pakistan. This study endeavoured to understand the health seeking behaviour, reasons for delay in consultation and the impact on OC patients’ lives. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with randomly selected OC patients at a private sector tertiary care facility in Islamabad (who met the inclusion criteria of having successfully been treated for Oral Cancer) which caters to the most diverse population for the treatment of Oral Cancer. Theoretical saturation was achieved at 14 interviews. All participants gave verbal consent for participation, which was recorded prior to the interviews. Results Patients (age range 43–68 years) had received the surgical treatment and radiation. The reported delay before seeking a proper medical advice ranged from 1 month to 2 years. Lack of awareness about OC risk factors, symptoms, and whom to approach for treatment were the main reasons. Most respondents relied on self-treatment considering the non-healing wound/ulcer to be a minor issue until they were advised a consultation with a specialist. Treatment started within 1–3 months after a confirmed diagnosis on biopsy. The reported average expenditure on treatment was US$5000-10,000, mostly covered through a private health insurance and others borrowed the money. Conclusion A socio-behavioural change campaign for the general population can result in earlier presentation of the OC, minimizing the financial burden on the patient as well as the health system, and improving the quality of life of the patients.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document