STATE OF BRAIN HEALTH IN AMERICA
2024 Muse Brain Health Report
In recent years, the topic of "brain health" has gained significant traction as a comprehensive indicator of wellbeing, encompassing cognitive, sensory, emotional, and physical aspects of life.¹ Maintaining a “healthy brain” is often cited as a means to improve one’s overall quality of life and reduce the risks associated with aging.2
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. While the initial report shed light on how lifestyle factors like personal habits and work environment impact brain health, the current discourse delves deeper into medical conditions, healthcare accessibility, and treatment methodologies. 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 wellbeing.
KEY FINDINGS
- Respondents self-reported the highest scores for memory and focus, however sleep and mood were ranked lowest
- 2024 self-reported brain health scores on the rise since 2022
- Millennials top self-reported brain health scores, while Gen-Z continues to score lowest
- Gen-Z struggles most with stress, loneliness & burnout
- Significantly higher brain health scores among those who eat healthy, exercise, and give back
- Florida cities continue to lead with the highest overall self-reported brain health scores; while Portland, Oregon ranked the lowest
- Frequency of meditation plays a significant role in improving brain health
- 40% of Americans suspect they have an undiagnosed brain health condition
- High costs and fear top reasons for lack of diagnosis
- 2 in 5 feel that emotional support from family and/or housemates is lacking
- Non-pharmaceutical treatments viewed as more natural and with fewer side effects, yet 21% question the effectiveness
METHODOLOGY: Muse, in partnership with Pollfish, surveyed 5,000 U.S. adults from January 19th to 22nd, 2024. While maintaining the previous focus on self-reported scores across seven key brain health aspects (memory, focus, sleep, mood, productivity, creativity, and overall wellbeing), this survey also explored brain health conditions and related medical and healthcare aspects. This approach aimed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of brain health, combining lifestyle factors with clinical insights. Full methodology here.
KEY AREAS OF BRAIN HEALTH:
MEMORY
FOCUS
SLEEP
MOOD
PRODUCTIVITY
CREATIVITY
BRAIN HEALTH TRENDS
Brain health impact on well-being
Respondents self-reported the highest scores for memory and focus, however sleep and mood were ranked lowest
Americans scored themselves on a scale of 1 to 10 for each key area of brain health, ranking themselves highest for memory and focus, whereas sleep and mood ranked lowest, indicating the biggest areas of concern for American's brain health.
BRAIN HEALTH TRENDS
Brain health scores on the rise
2024 self-reported brain health scores on the rise since 2022
Americans are beginning to turn a corner on their commitment to supporting and improving their brain health.
This is based on the meaningful improvements in self-reported brain health scores over the last two years.
*Cumulative scores for brain health were calculated using the combined total scores across the six categories of brain health, for a total potential brain health score of 60.
**Generational comparisons based on groupings from Pew Research, which include Gen-Z (1997-2012), Millennials (1981-1996), Generation X (1965-1980) and Baby Boomers (1946-1964)
CHANGES BY GENERATION
BRAIN HEALTH TRENDS
Generational perceptions of brain health
Millennials top self-reported brain health scores, while Gen-Z continues to score lowest
While Gen-Z scores have slightly improved from our prior report, they continue to lag behind the other generations. Meanwhile, although millennials scored nearly as low as Gen-Z in 2022, in this year's report Millennials scored the highest when it comes to self-reported brain health scores.
BRAIN HEALTH TRENDS
Gen-Z struggles most with stress, loneliness & burnout
Gen-Z reports the highest levels of stress-related attributes with over 50% feeling stressed, burnt out
Gen-Z was most likely to feel regularly stressed (65%), burnt out (52%), and lonely (43%). Millennials were most likely to feel overwhelmed, however they were also most likely to feel loved (72%), energized (57%) and appreciated (57%) indicating that their stress-related emotions don't necessarily impact their happiness and mood. Boomers felt positive emotions across the board, with about 70% feeling loved and happy, notably higher than the reported feelings of love and happiness in Gen-Z, which were under 60%.
BRAIN HEALTH & PERSONAL WELL-BEING
Top 10 activities positively associated with brain health
Significantly higher brain health scores among those who eat healthy, exercise, and give back
Healthy eating continues to be the most significant source of influence on brain health scores followed by social interaction and participation in leisure activities.
BRAIN HEALTH IN HEALTHCARE
Mapping brain health across America
Florida cities continue to lead with the highest overall self-reported brain health scores. On the opposite end, Portland, Oregon ranked the lowest in brain health, particularly in the areas of mood and sleep.
Brain Health by State & Top U.S. Cities:
Rankings for cumulative brain health and each aspect of brain health
Top States for Brain Health: New Hampshire, South Carolina, Nevada
Top Cities for Brain Health: Miami, Tampa, Charlotte
BRAIN HEALTH IN HEALTHCARE
Top activities positively associated with self-reported aspects of brain health
Eating healthy is by far the most impactful activity when it comes to high brain health scores. In particular, sleep scores are strongly impacted by activities such as healthy eating, going to bed early and even spending time with friends.
BRAIN HEALTH IN HEALTHCARE
Frequency of meditation plays a significant role in improving brain health
Consistency plays a key role in the value of meditation, particularly among millennials who had 24% higher brain scores
While only 14% of respondents say they practice meditation daily, the results show that consistency in meditation is more beneficial than occasional practice. Millennials who meditate daily experience a remarkable 24% improvement in brain health scores. This highlights the substantial influence of consistent meditation on the cognitive health of this generation. A regular meditation routine could be an essential component for enhancing brain wellness, particularly among millennials.
BRAIN HEALTH IN HEALTHCARE
Prevalence of undiagnosed conditions poses significant concern
2 in 5 Americans suspect they have an undiagnosed brain health condition
An alarming 40% of Americans suspect they may have an undiagnosed brain health condition. Among those, anxiety (20%) and depression (19%) are the most commonly suspected conditions. These two conditions alone highlight a substantial burden of mental health issues that may be unaddressed.
BRAIN HEALTH IN HEALTHCARE
High costs and fear top reasons for lack of diagnosis
Americans are refraining from seeking a diagnosis due to the high cost and fear associated with it.
Other notable obstacles include a lack of awareness of diagnostic options and the stigma surrounding brain health issues. Additionally, logistical challenges such as limited local availability of diagnostic tools and lengthy wait times for appointments contribute to the reluctancy to seek diagnosis and care. Despite these issues, 17% of respondents report no barriers, indicating varied experiences with accessing brain health services. The findings underscore the need for more accessible and affordable diagnostic services, as well as increased awareness and de-stigmatization of brain health conditions.
BRAIN HEALTH IN HEALTHCARE
Emotional support from family emerges as a critical need
2 in 5 feel that emotional support from family and/or housemates is lacking
Emotional support at home is inadequate according to many who have a diagnosed and/or undiagnosed brain health condition. This is likely why many reported frequently feeling lonely (60%). Additionally, 38% of individuals highlight the absence of a quiet and stress-free environment as a barrier to maintaining their brain health, a further indication of challenges when it comes to managing their condition while at home.
BRAIN HEALTH IN HEALTHCARE
Nearly half* have not been evaluated or received treatment
44% have yet to be evaluated or receive treatments
The findings show that nearly half of respondents (44%) have not been evaluated or received treatments. Among those who have, medication (25%) and psychotherapy (24%) are the leading methods, highlighting the reliance on these traditional approaches. Advanced diagnostics like brain imaging had been used by 21% of respondents.
Alternative therapies and in-clinic EEG sessions show moderate usage, while at-home EEG devices and neurofeedback sessions are less common. This underscores the diverse but selective engagement with brain health treatments and the need for broader awareness and accessibility.
* among all Americans
BRAIN HEALTH IN HEALTHCARE
Growing use of technology in managing brain health
Surging adoption of digital wellness tools reveals a tech-driven shift in brain health management
The survey revealed that when it comes to the use of digital wellness tools, fitness and activity trackers lead in popularity, with 30% of respondents using such devices. Meditation and mindfulness apps follow at 26%. Brain training and sleep tracking apps also show notable usage, at 21% and 19% respectively.
Despite the variety of available tools, 21% of respondents report not using any digital tools for brain health, pointing to potential gaps in awareness or accessibility. Other specialized tools like cognitive behavioral therapy apps and neurofeedback devices have lower usage rates.
BRAIN HEALTH IN HEALTHCARE
Perceptions of non-pharmaceuticals & alternative therapy
Non-pharmaceutical treatments viewed as more natural (49%) and with fewer side effects, yet 21% question the effectiveness and 23% the high cost
A significant 49% view these treatments as more natural, and 43% appreciate the fewer side effects compared to traditional medical treatments. The holistic approach is valued by 26% of respondents, indicating a preference for comprehensive wellness strategies.
However, 21% question the proven effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical options. Accessibility issues (20%) and higher costs (23%) are also noted as challenges which may be why so few are turning to non-pharmaceuticals and alternative therapies despite the positive perception of them.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Methodology
The 2024 Muse Brain Health Study was meticulously designed in collaboration with Pollfish, a renowned survey provider known for its demographically representative audience and reliable data collection methods. The study replicated the methodology of the 2022 Brain Health Report, with enhancements to encompass a broader scope of brain health aspects.
Survey Sample and Data Collection:
Sample Size and Demographics: The survey was conducted with a sample of 5,000 U.S. adults, carefully selected to ensure a representative cross-section of the population. This demographic representation was achieved through Pollfish's advanced sampling techniques, which include a stratified sampling method to match the U.S. Census data on key demographic variables such as age, gender, region, and socio-economic status.
Survey Period: The data collection occurred over a four-day period, from January 19th to 22nd, 2024, allowing for sufficient time to gather a wide range of responses and reduce potential biases associated with shorter collection periods.
Survey Focus and Design:
Key Brain Health Aspects: The survey maintained its focus on self-reported scores across seven key brain health aspects identified in the 2022 report: memory, focus, sleep, mood, productivity, creativity, and overall wellbeing on a scale of 1-10. These aspects were chosen for their relevance and impact on overall brain health and quality of life.
Expanded Scope: In addition to the original aspects, the 2024 survey included questions related to brain health conditions and medical and healthcare aspects. This expansion was intended to provide a more comprehensive understanding of brain health by integrating lifestyle factors with clinical insights.
Questionnaire Design: The questionnaire utilized a mix of quantitative scales (such as Likert scales for self-reported health scores) and qualitative questions for deeper insights.
Data Analysis and Reporting:
Analytical Methods: The data were analyzed using advanced statistical methods to identify trends, correlations, and significant findings. This included descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation analysis, and regression models where appropriate.
Quality Control: Pollfish's quality control mechanisms, including attention checks and data consistency algorithms, were employed to ensure the integrity and reliability of the survey responses.
Ethical Considerations and Compliance
Informed Consent: All participants were provided with a clear explanation of the study's purpose and assured of their anonymity and confidentiality. Informed consent was obtained prior to participation.
Compliance with Standards: The study adhered to ethical standards and guidelines for research involving human subjects and complied with relevant privacy laws and regulations.In summary, the methodology of the 2024 Muse Brain Health Study, in partnership with Pollfish, was designed to provide robust, reliable, and comprehensive insights into the state of brain health in America, leveraging both traditional and innovative approaches to survey design and data analysis.
The concept of "brain health" encompasses a wide range of definitions and inclusions of various elements of brain functions that contribute to health and wellbeing. Those referenced in the development of Muse's six criteria of brain health are included below:
1 Brain Health is defined by the World Health Organization as "the state of brain functioning across cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioural and motor domains, allowing a person to realize their full potential over the life course, irrespective of the presence or absence of disorders." [Source]
2 The Lancet, Neurology Journal adds to the prior definition of the World Health Organization, explaining brain health as a "a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing through the continuous development and exercise of the brain." [Source]
3 The Center for Brain Health defines brain health as an active term for management of one's wellbeing, describing brain health as "making the most of your capacity to thrive in life." Their research shows that better brain health helps people thrive within the context of their personal life. [Source]
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.
