Consumers’ constant thirst for knowledge and their desire to always be on top create an ever-increasing need to maintain and optimize brain health. Declining brain function is most often associated with aging, but scientific developments are just beginning to scratch the surface of other factors that affect brain function throughout the consumer’s lifetime. One area of particular interest is its impact. Study of emotional factors in cognitive function.
In today’s environment, mental and emotional health is straining and stress levels are rising as consumers grapple with fast-paced lifestyles, national and global crises, and lingering pandemics. In addition, consumers find their concentration and memory abilities are significantly reduced due to the daily distractions and increased 24/7 connectivity. in fact, The brain is challenged to juggle and prioritize competing information. Clear thinking relies on specific neuronal networks to “communicate” correctly. Stress disrupts these patterns and impedes your ability to recall or retrieve information. More specifically, stress triggers the release of molecules that disrupt the way brain cells communicate, affecting the brain’s ability to think and learn clearly. It can physically affect your ability to function and cause cognitive decline. In fact, nearly half (49%) of consumers say they feel overly stressed at times, affecting their ability to think clearly.
Not surprisingly, managing cognitive problems such as memory and concentration increased 204% since 2010, and 47% from 2019 (pre-pandemic) to 2022 (post-pandemic). It is interesting to note that the reported management of cognitive problems is highest in the younger age group and lowest in the older age group. It has likely driven the high growth of the last few years. Younger consumers also manage higher levels of stress that may be disrupting neural communication networks, contributing to reports of higher levels of cognitive control, as previously explained.
What’s more, research shows that chronic stress can actually cause brain shrinkage, memory impairment, and even an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The past few years have been emotionally difficult for consumers. They have had to deal with a global pandemic, a turbulent economy, historically high inflation, global political turmoil, food shortages, and empty store shelves. Therefore, what has happened in the last few years Generated additional concerns about cognitive function About 2 in 5 (38%) of consumers report having a negative impact on their mental and emotional health since the start of the 2020 pandemic. Additionally, consumers report feeling more stressed (43%), having trouble sleeping well (42%) and feeling more depressed since the pandemic, according to a study by the Natural Marketing Institute. . (32%).Moreover, these heightened emotional states are It is projected to persist even as the pandemic recedes, promoting ongoing chronic stress conditions and setting the stage for the growth of future cognitive impairment problems.
New research also reveals that loneliness negatively impacts cognition and can actually cause cognitive loss. This finding has implications for consumers, as they may become more isolated as they age, possibly due to reduced ability to leave the house, reduced social connections, and even death. increase. spouse. In fact, one of the greatest fears of aging, which seems to be more pronounced among older people, is a decline in mental or brain capacity. This is a concern for over half of consumers over the age of 65. Compare that to about a quarter of consumers. According to NMI data, young people aged 18-29 and 30-39 indicate that aging is their greatest fear.
The Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns and quarantines have also exacerbated feelings of isolation. Despite the lifting of most restrictions, the effects of quarantine appear to have residual effects on consumers’ mental and cognitive functioning, with more than a third (35%) of It shows that you are not working or not concentrating on your task. be able to In addition, due to the expansion of remote work,Perpetuating feelings of isolation and loss of social connections, It may contribute to the deterioration of mental function.In fact, even in the past year, 1 in 3 of her consumers “Hmm“Not being able to socialize like I used to” is having a negative impact on their health.
Emotional factors have taken a toll on consumer health over the last few years, when the world seemed to have reached its apocalypse. As 24/7 lifestyles, uncertain economies, and national and global uncertainties continue to increase stress levels, industry opportunities are expanding, especially in the areas of emotional and cognitive health, including: To do. Research has revealed more information about the interrelationships between brain health and a person’s emotional state.
Editor’s Note: To read more articles on the cognitive health market, click the link to download NPI’s free digital magazine, Brain Games: Ingredients for Mood, Balance, and Performance.
As COO, Steve French ([email protected]) He leads Natural Marketing Institute (NMI), a strategic consulting, market research and business development firm focused on the health, wellness and sustainability markets. With his 30+ years of relevant experience and insight into today’s consumer and market trends, he has pioneered various consumer databases to help clients navigate, identify and validate market opportunities. rice field. Prior to joining NMI, he worked for PepsiCo, Mars and Marriott for 15 years.
