Work

Young People's Voices in Developing Messages on Brain Health: An Initiative to Promote Brain‐Protective Lifestyle Habits Among Young Adults

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The work presented in this article was conducted as part of two European-funded projects (ADIS and Pattern-Cog) examining the topics of dementia risk reduction and timely diagnosis. Health messages promoting and educating people about brain health (defined by the World Health Organisation as the state of brain functioning across cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioural and motor domains, allowing a person to realise their full potential over the life course, irrespective of the presence or absence of disorders) are beginning to appear in the public domain. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no campaigns specifically developed to inform, educate and promote brain health among young adults. This seems counterintuitive given the potential for prevention, particularly at this important transitional phase in a young person's life. This article reports feedback collected during consecutive four online and face-to-face Public Involvement (PI) consultations with nine young adults from Spain that focused on understanding their perspectives on dementia and brain health promotion messages. A subsequent aim was to describe how this informed the development of a brain health campaign. APPROACH: Notes from the consultations were summarised and organised using thematic analysis techniques. Meeting summaries informed the development of a brain health campaign targeting young adults in Spain-'Yo Me Celebro'. The campaign was developed in a partnership approach with the young adults. OUTCOMES: Four main topics related to brain health were summarised from the PI consultations: (1) understanding, (2) terminology, (3) barriers and limitations to change and (4) preferred approach. Many learning points and limitations were identified from these topics (i.e., framing brain health in a positive, tailored and flexible way), and significantly shaped the subsequent campaign. This learning might be useful for future public health campaign developers tasked with designing initiatives for similar target audiences. CONCLUSION: To promote brain health among younger populations, it is imperative to acknowledge their perspectives and needs. Targeted education was recognised as the first step towards raising awareness about the importance of maintaining brain health; this should address gaps in knowledge and the lack of accessible, accurate information. Approaching the topic of dementia, risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases and healthy lifestyle habits in a positive, tailored and flexible way were also perceived as key to influencing young people's motivation to engage in brain health promotional activities. These perspectives and preferences were reflected in the 'Yo Me Celebro' campaign. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Four online and face-to-face meetings with a Young Adults Advisory Board of people aged 22 years were conducted. During these four meetings, young adults provided their perspectives on dementia prevention, dementia risk reduction and brain health promotion messages, and developed and reviewed the campaign materials.

Source: Health Expectations

DOI: 10.1111/hex.70926