Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Changes in lifestyle could reduce dementia cases by 45%. Successful international prevention initiatives show the importance of involving primary target groups early in the process of program development. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore (1) the knowledge about dementia/brain health, (2) offers of activities related to dementia prevention in the community and (3) the feasibility of introducing the experience of art as a brain health-promoting method in a sample of community-dwelling older persons. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Senior volunteers from the community were invited to a workshop and a follow-up telephone interview. During the workshop, participants received expert input on dementia/brain health followed by several group discussion rounds using a "World Café" approach. After 6 weeks, participants were invited to a structured telephone interview. RESULTS: A total of 26 persons participated in the workshop, 20 of whom (mean age: 70.60 years) took part in the telephone interview. The workshop data revealed 4 main needs: (1) more information on dementia/brain health (2) a broader offer of activities for physical/mental stimulation in the community (3) the definition of a "brain health strategy", and (4) development of specific services to experience art. The telephone interviews revealed a high motivation to start with dementia prevention but appropriate services are missing in the communities. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide first insights into attitudes towards dementia prevention/brain health in an Austrian sample of senior citizens. People need information about the potential of dementia prevention and specific services need to be developed in the communities.
Authors: Paul Pürcher, Margit Höfler, Stefanie Auer
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,390
Funder: Donau-Universität Krems
OpenAlex ID: W4409148455