Enhancing the Perspective of the Mexican Population on Brain Health

Current interventions to promote brain health are often adapted from high-income (HIC) to low and middle-income countries (LMIC) and fail to consider local cultural, contextual, and social determinants. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines brain health as the state of brain functioning across various domains, including cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioral, and motor domains, which are influenced by determinants such as physical health, healthy environments, safety, security, life-long learning, and social connection. However, the translation of models from HIC may not consider the unique cultural, social, and economic contexts of LMICs. This mismatch can lead to ineffective communication and intervention strategies that fail to resonate with the local population.

Mexico, a country with a high prevalence of dementia (7.9%), has a pressing need to develop a culturally adapted definition of brain health. National efforts towards implementing a dementia plan have been initiated, yet the current approach primarily focuses on cardiovascular risk factors and the prevention of metabolic diseases and sensory deficits. While these are important aspects, the absence of a culturally adapted brain health concept creates challenges in translating research findings into healthcare policy and societal practice, as it overlooks many factors. By tailoring health messages to the Mexican perspective, the project aims to reduce miscommunication, enhance stakeholder engagement, and foster greater trust in public health initiatives.