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.

Healthy eating continues to be the most significant source of influence on brain health scores followed by social interaction and participation in leisure activities.

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.

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.

Digital tool usage

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]