2020 Pilot Awards for Global Brain Health Leaders (GBHI)

Promoting Brain Health: development of patient education resources

Kirti Ranchod, MBBCh
Trinity College
Dublin, Ireland

Studies show that lifestyle factors such as exercise, diet and sleep may contribute significantly to a person’s risk of developing dementia. Growing evidence indicates certain lifestyle behaviors may be associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline. To this end, Dr. Ranchod and colleagues will produce education materials that are easy-to-digest and actionable in order to increase health literacy on how these lifestyle behaviors could contribute to reducing a person’s risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The researchers will evaluate the materials, adapt as necessary and work towards disseminating the material to the general public in South Africa. If successful, the study results could motivate lifestyle changes among people in South Africa that could reduce the risk of cognitive decline as well as the risk of developing dementia.