A simple translational metric of integral brain health: Preliminary results

Abstract

Background

Comprehensive real-world tools for evaluating brain health are increasingly needed to complement established cognitive assessments and to capture multidimensional aspects of functioning relevant to dementia risk. The Integral Brain Health Questionnaire is a brief three-question, self-referenced multidomain self-assessment, not yet validated in clinical populations.

Objective

Assess feasibility and construct validity of the Integral Brain Health Questionnaire in patients with cognitive impairment and assess its association with severity of cognitive loss and dementia risk factors.

Methods

A consecutive series of 169 individuals with subjective memory complaints, mild cognitive impairment, or mild dementia at a tertiary care center in Southern Italy. Participants completed the Integral Brain Health Questionnaire, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale, and evaluations of dementia risk factors, including depression, social engagement, and sleep health.

Results

The questionnaire showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.843). Total scores correlated with MMSE (r = 0.322, p < 0.001), and CDR Sum of Boxes (r = –0.165, p = 0.041). Lower scores were associated with depression, poor sleep, and social isolation, while higher scores correlated with social engagement and sleep health. Women reported lower mental and social health scores. The tool showed moderate discriminative ability between mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia.

Conclusions

The Integral Brain Health Questionnaire is a simple, reliable proxy for assessing multidimensional brain health and cognitive loss severity. Apparent independence from age and education and associations with modifiable risk factors support its potential utility in clinical and population settings.