کد مقاله | کد نشریه | سال انتشار | مقاله انگلیسی | نسخه تمام متن |
---|---|---|---|---|
4202461 | 1609090 | 2015 | 7 صفحه PDF | دانلود رایگان |
• Cognitive health beliefs and behaviours were surveyed in Australian adults.
• Activities undertaken for cognitive benefit differed by age-group.
• Belief in the benefit of activities was not translated into intention to act.
• Brain health worry was more prevalent in younger age-groups than in those > 65 years of age.
• Less than 5% of respondents knew of the link between vascular health and brain health.
ObjectiveInformation is required regarding cognitive health beliefs and behaviours from across the life in order to inform the design of interventions to optimise cognitive health and reduce the risk of cognitive impairment.MethodsA survey of Australian adults aged 20–89 was administered via Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) software to respondents recruited by random digit dialling (N = 900). Socio-demographic and self-reported health information was collected to investigate associations with cognitive health responses.ResultsAlcohol abuse was nominated by the highest proportion of respondents (34.3%) as detrimental for brain health. Fewer than 5% nominated elevated cholesterol, blood pressure, obesity, poor education, or ageing. The most frequently endorsed protective activity was socialising (70%). Socio-demographic factors predicted responses. Age-group differences were apparent in the proportions nominating alcohol (X2 = 24.2; p < .001), drugs (X2 = 56.8; p < .001), smoking (X2 = 13.1; p = .001), nutrition (X2 = 20.4; p < .001), and mental activity (X2 = 12.8; p = .002) as relevant to brain health. Activities undertaken for cognitive benefit also differed by age. Across all ages the perceived benefit of activities was not supported by intentions to undertake activities.ConclusionsInterventions are needed to inform and motivate people across the life-course to undertake behaviours specifically to optimise their cognitive health.
Journal: Preventive Medicine Reports - Volume 2, 2015, Pages 498–504