title: An Australian survey of cognitive health beliefs, intentions, and behaviours through the adult life course.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Information 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.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Alcohol 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 (X(2) = 24.2; p < .001), drugs (X(2) = 56.8; p < .001), smoking (X(2) = 13.1; p = .001), nutrition (X(2) = 20.4; p < .001), and mental activity (X(2) = 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Interventions are needed to inform and motivate people across the life-course to undertake behaviours specifically to optimise their cognitive health.
authors: Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing and the Centre for Excellence in Population Ageing Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
authors: Diane E
authors: DE
authors: Hosking
authors: Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing and the Centre for Excellence in Population Ageing Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
authors: Kerry A
authors: KA
authors: Sargent-Cox
authors: Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing and the Centre for Excellence in Population Ageing Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
authors: Kaarin J
authors: KJ
authors: Anstey
keywords: Adults; Behaviour; Beliefs; Cognition; Preventive medicine; Surveys