2024 Muse Brain Health Report Unveils New Insights into Cognitive Well-being

Julia Park

February 28, 2024

Self-reported brain health scores are on the rise; millennials have the highest self-reported brain health scores, while Gen-Z reported the lowest.
An alarming 40% of Americans suspect they have an undiagnosed brain health condition.
Anxiety (20%) and depression (19%) are the most suspected undiagnosed conditions.
Only 20% feel they receive adequate support from family and/or housemates for their brain health conditions.

TORONTO, February 28, 2024 - In an era where mental and cognitive health is paramount, Muse, the leading consumer EEG technology, brain health and wellness platform, is proud to unveil the findings of the 2024 Muse Brain Health Report. Ahead of Brain Health Awareness Month, Muse conducted a comprehensive study that surveyed 5,000 U.S. adults, revealing key insights into the nation’s brain health and emphasizing the interconnectedness of lifestyle, healthcare access, and mental well-being.

Building on the foundational insights from the 2022 report, the focus in 2024 has expanded to include a closer examination of brain health conditions and their medical and healthcare aspects. This broader perspective aims to provide a more holistic understanding of brain health, integrating lifestyle influences with clinical and medical strategies to foster overall cognitive and emotional well-being.

Positive Trend in Brain Health, Yet Challenges Persist for Gen-Z

The report reveals a positive trajectory in brain health over the last couple of years, marked by notable enhancements in memory and focus. However, persistent challenges linger, particularly concerning sleep quality and mood regulation, which garnered the lowest self-reported scores. Millennials and Boomers emerge as frontrunners in brain health scores, showcasing a commendable upswing from previous assessments. Conversely, Gen-Z trails behind, aligning with elevated self-reported levels of stress and loneliness.

Gen-Z was most likely to feel regularly stressed (65%) and burnt out (52%), compared to Boomers who felt stressed (29%) and burnt out (15%).
Gen-Z were also most likely to feel lonely (43%), compared to only 19% of Boomers.
Millennials were most likely to feel overwhelmed; however, they were also most likely to feel loved (72%), energized (57%), and appreciated (57%).
Boomers felt positive emotions across the board, with about 70% feeling loved and happy.

Undiagnosed Brain Health Conditions Pose Substantial Concern

While it is well known that diagnosed brain health conditions have been on the rise for years, the prevalence of undiagnosed brain health conditions among Americans poses a substantial concern as well. A large portion of the population suspects they might have mental health issues, which remain unaddressed due to various barriers, including costs and fears related to diagnosis.

40% of Americans believe they have an undiagnosed brain health condition(s).
Anxiety (20%) and depression (19%) are the most suspected undiagnosed conditions.
The high cost of diagnostic services (33%) and fear of the diagnosis (31%) are the top reported reasons why Americans aren’t being diagnosed.

Emotional Support Gap Highlights Critical Need

Many of those with diagnosed and/or undiagnosed conditions do not feel supported by their family and/or housemates for their brain health concerns, revealing a significant gap in emotional aid. This lack of support contributes to increased feelings of loneliness and highlights the importance of a stress-free home environment for managing brain health effectively.

Over 40% perceive emotional support from housemates as inadequate.
60% report heightened feelings of loneliness due to insufficient emotional support.
38% cite the absence of a stress-free environment at home as a significant barrier.

Preference for Non-Pharmaceutical Treatments

The perception of non-pharmaceutical treatments among respondents highlights an interest in natural and minimal side-effect approaches to health care. However, there's a notable skepticism about their efficacy, pointing to a need for further education and research in this area.

49% view non-pharmaceutical treatments as more natural.
43% value the minimal side effects over conventional medical interventions.
26% appreciate the holistic approach provided by non-pharmaceutical treatments.
21% question the proven efficacy of these treatments.

Rise in Technology Adoption for Brain Health Management

The increasing reliance on technology for cognitive and physical wellness is evident in the surge in the popularity of digital wellness tools. Fitness and activity trackers are the most utilized, with meditation and mindfulness apps also seeing significant use. This trend underscores the growing interest in leveraging technology for health improvements.

30% use fitness and activity trackers, which lead in popularity.
26% use meditation and mindfulness, following in a close second.
21% use brain training apps.
19% use sleep-tracking apps.

“As we navigate the complex landscape of brain health, the results of this study underscores both progress and obstacles when it comes to understanding our cognitive well-being,” said neuroscientist, digital health expert, and Interaxon Chief Science Officer Dr. Walter Greenleaf. “While advancements in brain health are evident, the disparities remain, particularly with our youngest generation. The prevalence of undiagnosed conditions and the lack of emotional support highlight the importance of more accessible and comprehensive interventions.”

Revolutionizing Brain Health Through Accessible, Innovative Solutions

The path to revolutionizing brain health hinges on accessibility, innovation, and the development of non-pharmaceutical interventions. Supported by third-party research, modern technological advancements like Muse's enhanced EEG AI platform have shown promise in treating and detecting brain health conditions such as anxiety, stress, sleep disorders, stroke, and OCD. Looking to the future, the role of AI will be pivotal in transforming healthcare.

"Muse's ongoing innovations in this space, particularly in the field of AI, suggest a promising horizon where advanced technology makes comprehensive brain health management more accessible than ever before," said Chris Aimone, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Muse. "The goal is not just to innovate but to open new avenues for personal health management that were previously unimaginable."

Access to the full 2024 Muse Brain Health report can be found here. For more information on Muse and to shop for your own EEG neurofeedback device, visit choosemuse.com.

About Muse® by Interaxon Inc.:

Muse is pioneering brain health through its industry-leading EEG measurement and neurofeedback platform, built on advanced AI algorithms. Muse spearheads decentralized research initiatives aimed at enhancing mental health therapies, optimizing sleep, and advancing neuroscience development. Its AI platform unites researchers, developers, and consumers worldwide and is supported by over 200 research studies from renowned institutions, including the Mayo Clinic, NASA, and Harvard. Muse has collected and decoded over 1 billion minutes of brain data to date, which is one of the largest EEG collections in the world. Muse is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with a subsidiary in the San Francisco Bay Area, California.

Visit choosemuse.com for more information and connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Julia Park
[email protected]