– It is a little surprising that so many people are willing to be tested for future brain diseases even though you cannot necessarily slow down or cure everything – such as with Alzheimer’s disease, says Rebecca Bruu Carver. She is a researcher at FHI and lead author behind the study which will soon be published. “If it were possible to take a simple brain health test to learn about your risk of developing a brain disease, would you take it?” The question was asked in the global brain health survey in the Lifebrain research project. A total of 27,500 people responded. Brain health survey * The brain health survey “The Global Brain Health Survey” has been part of the EU research project “Lifebrain” [RBC2] in the Horizon2020 program and was carried out in collaboration with the University of Oslo.* The questionnaire was available in 14 languages and the answers came from participants in 76 countries. * Participants in the study were asked to imagine a hypothetical brain health test for risk of unspecified brain disease. * 91 per cent responded of those who would definitely or probably take a simple brain health test to learn about the risk of developing a brain disease. * 86 percent would do so even if the disease could not be prevented or treated. * Most of the participants were from Great Britain (37%), the Netherlands (25%) and Norway (13%).* Most were over 40 (83%), were women (71%) or had a university degree (71%). (Source: FHI) The survey is led by the Institute of Public Health (FHI) in collaboration with the University of Oslo (UIO). One in three will develop a brain disease According to Carver and FHI, one in three will develop a brain disease during their lifetime. – Dementia, stroke, MS, Parkinson’s disease, depression or schizophrenia, Carver rams on. The main findings of the survey show that 91 per cent would take a brain health test to see if one is available for a future illness. 86 percent answered that they had taken it even if the disease could not be prevented or treated. 95 per cent of those questioned state that the reason for taking a brain health test is to be able to slow down the development of a disease. For example, by seeking professional help and changing your lifestyle. – However, we know from previous research that what people say they want to do and what they actually do can be two different things, says Carver. news serves the latest brain news. Photo: Henning Rønhovde / news – Can’t cure everything According to Carver, you can today test several aspects of brain health with different methods. Genetic tests, brain scans, blood tests and cognitive tests. – Certain genetic tests can predict the risk of developing Huntington’s and early Alzheimer’s disease. Apart from these, there are few genetic tests for brain diseases, says Carver. Nor is there one simple test that can provide an overall measure of your brain health. Would you take a brain health test? If I wanted to know about all the diseases you can get in the cylinder head? “Brain it!” Nah…not sure. Don’t think so, of course. Never in the world! I live well in uncertainty. Show result – Unnecessary anxiety – I keep my body in shape, I think that has a certain connection with brain health. Also, I read and try to acquire knowledge every day. But I think I would say no to taking such a test. Unnecessary anxiety, explains Hein Lindquist (58). Hein Lindquist belongs to the small percentage who would not take a brain health test. Photo: Henning Rønhovde / news Henriette Rosenvinge Hjertsen (21), on the other hand, is of a different opinion. – I would take the test, isn’t it better to be safe? I would like to know. When asked if she does anything for her own brain health, she replies: – I read and think a lot. If I wonder why ants build anthills, I’ll find out, she laughs. Henriette Rosenvinge Hjertsen is positive for a brain health test. Photo: Henning Rønhovde / news – No, I wouldn’t take the test! We have Alzheimer’s in our family. Is it genetic? Can’t do anything about it anyway. I’m a little worried, but I exercise, eat healthy and am concerned about EQ – I’m social, says Camilla Fjeldheim (35). Camilla Fjeldheim is skeptical about testing herself for potential brain diseases. Photo: Henning Rønhovde / news – Our most important organ “The brain is a fantastic organ. It starts working as soon as you open your eyes in the morning and doesn’t stop until you get to work.” With Robert Frost’s sly quote stored somewhere in the cerebral cortex, one throws oneself at this very organ: the brain. A kilo and a half lump of jelly lying inside the skull, which, for the record, works all the time. But what exactly is the brain? – An accumulation of cells with long spurs, neurons and support cells, Marte Roa Syvertsen begins and continues: – The brain is the basis for everything we do: thinking, learning, feeling, movement – you name it! Undoubtedly our most important organ. But now I’m a little bit biased, laughs Syvertsen, who is a doctor and neuroscientist. Brain researcher Marte Syvertsen says there are many things we can do ourselves to prevent future brain diseases. Photo: Azad Razaei / news How to get better brain health? Not all brain disease can be prevented or cured. But are there any steps you can take yourself? – You can actually do that to a large extent! Then there are slightly different things that apply depending on the type of disease in question, says brain researcher Syvertsen. – What comes highest on the list is having good relationships and being active socially. It keeps the brain in shape. It’s all about use, just like a muscle you exercise. Marte Syvertsen is a brain researcher at Drammen Hospital. Photo: Azad Razaei / news Furthermore, constantly acquiring new knowledge and engaging in physical activity are mentioned as good news for the brain. – Dance is highlighted as good prevention against, for example, dementia. Otherwise, there is exercise and a varied diet, not too much stress, and sleeping well and regularly. But first, and it’s nice: go out and meet people, get involved in something! advises the neuroscientist.
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9 out of 10 want to know about their risk of brain disease, shows new study from FHI – news Oslo og Viken – Local news, TV and radio
