Americans Speak Out About Brain Fitness in National Poll.

WASHINGTON -- Leading brain health experts convened today in Washington, D.C. for a public forum discussing the results of a new poll entitled Attitudes and Awareness of Brain Health. One of the poll's key findings: most Americans are not making use of all available avenues to ensure that their brains continue to function at optimum levels as they age.

The poll, commissioned by the American Society on Aging (ASA), with support from MetLife Foundation, set out to determine whether Americans think brain health can be improved, and also, if people are using all of the information available to them to stay mentally fit. Harris Interactive conducted a national survey of more than 1,000 Americans aged 42 and older.

"We believe these findings break new ground by raising public awareness of the importance of keeping mentally fit," said Sibyl Jacobson, president of MetLife Foundation. "We are pleased to support this poll, because it promotes successful aging, which is a major concern for a growing number of Americans."

Some of the key findings of the study include:

--Americans are optimistic about brain health, but give it a low priority compared to other health issues. Nearly nine out of 10 people think it is possible to improve brain fitness and most say that thinking abilities should be checked routinely. However, only 3 percent of those 42 years old and older consider brain health the most important health issue for people their age.

--Most Americans, regardless of age, rate their current memory as excellent or good, but younger people begin to worry sooner than older adults. More than 90 percent of those polled give themselves high scores on their brain fitness. People in the 42-49 age group tend to have concerns about brain health seven years earlier than those who are age 50 and older.

--Although Americans recommend getting information about brain fitness from a medical professional, most do not talk about their memory concerns. More than 70 percent identify doctors as the best resource for information about the brain and keeping it fit, and say they would advise close friends or family to talk with a doctor. However, only 37 percent say they have voiced their concerns with a doctor or nurse.

"What we learned from this poll was surprising and encouraging. This data challenges us to consider how this nation approaches brain fitness and what every person can do, starting today, to take good care of their cognitive capacities," observed ASA President and CEO Gloria Cavanaugh.

Jeannette Takamura, Ph.D., Dean of the Columbia University School of Social Work, the former Assistant Secretary for Aging at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, moderated the panel discussion, which featured the following brain health experts: Gene D. Cohen, MD, Sandi Johnson, LCSW, Paul D. Nussbaum, PhD, and Lynda Anderson, PhD.

--Gene Cohen is Director of the Center on Aging, Health and Humanities at The George Washington University, a Past President of the Gerontological Society of America and the founding Chief of the Center on Aging at the National Institute of Mental Health.

--Sandi Johnson is Executive Director of the North Shore Senior Center (NSSC) in Northfield, Ill. and a Past President of the National Institute of Senior Centers.

--Paul Nussbaum is Clinical Neuropsychologist and Adjunct Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA.

--Lynda Anderson is Branch Chief of Healthcare and Aging Studies, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In commenting upon the poll's findings, the experts suggested simple things that individuals can do to improve brain fitness, memory and general mental health. Recommendations included:

--Increase Physical Activity. It is well understood that blood flow stimulated by exercise is good for the heart, lungs and muscles--and it's beneficial for the brain as well. People reluctant to commit to a regular program of physical activity may be more motivated if they understand how it helps them stay sharp mentally.

--Cross Train Your Brain. A single activity, no matter how challenging, is not sufficient to sustain the kind of mental acuity that virtually everyone can achieve. For example, although activities such as reading and doing crossword puzzles are good on their own, they offer only partial benefits, unless they are part of a comprehensive program for long-term brain health. Brain fitness depends on combining a variety of activities--such as playing music, word games and physical activity--that differ in frequency, intensity and variety.

--Grow Your Social Network. Research indicates that individuals who live in isolation have a higher risk of developing dementia than those who remain integrated in society. Lifelong community involvement with particular focus on sustained activities with friends, family and partners is an investment in brain health. Develop hobbies, promote lifelong pursuits and grow a social network of meaningful relationships.

The forum also provided an opportunity to discuss recommendations that communities can implement. These recommendations can enable health and social service departments to better position themselves to meet the evolving mental fitness challenges facing a burgeoning aging population. Suggestions included:

--Incorporate Brain Health in Community Planning. Just as consumers should "break a mental sweat" by challenging their brains with new learning, community programs should consider incorporating the latest findings in brain science into the design of services they offer.

--Develop Community Projects for Creative and Civic Engagement - Creative community projects and engagement are a rich source of mental challenge. Senior theater productions, which can be written, performed and directed by older adults, stimulate brain health on multiple levels, and provide opportunities for social interaction. Bands and orchestras offer similar opportunities. Improvements in technology and universal design are removing barriers to independence and opening possibilities for productive, active living well into retirement.

--Keep Healthcare, Educational and Service Professionals Informed about Brain Health - Professionals need continuing-education programs about brain fitness. Although consumers regularly mine the Internet and other media, they turn to doctors and other front-line medical professionals when they want specific recommendations about their brain health. Community professionals who regularly serve older adults should have ongoing access to the latest news about brain capacity and information on how best to prescribe practical approaches that maximize mental fitness.

A full report is available in PDF format from ASA at www.asaging.org/brainhealth. The 65-page report includes a summary of poll results, expert commentaries with resources for more information, a description of the methodology and final top-line data. Additional media resources and contacts are available at http://www.asaging.org/asav2/mindalert/brainhealthpoll.cfm

American Society on Aging (ASA) is an educational organization for professionals in the field of aging. Founded in 1954, ASA's mission is to develop leadership, knowledge, and skills to address the challenges and opportunities of a diverse aging society. With more than 10,000 members, subscribers and stakeholders, ASA is the largest association for professionals working with older adults and their caregivers. For information, visit www.asaging.org.

MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 by MetLife to carry on its long-standing tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. The Foundation has been involved in a variety of aging-related initiatives addressing issues of caregiving, intergenerational activities, mental fitness, health and wellness programs and civic involvement. Since 1986, the Foundation has supported research on Alzheimer's disease through its Awards for Medical Research program and has contributed more than $10 million to efforts to find a cure. More information about the Foundation is available at www.metlife.org.