The new brain drain

OVER half of Brits say their memories have got worse after months of sitting at home with little in the way of stimulation. Experts are describing this effect as the ‘new brain drain’. A study by FutureYou Cambridge has found over a third (39%) of people say they experience ‘brain fog’ on a regular basis.

Almost a quarter (23%) of people report they have endured poor memory in recent years, and almost two-thirds (61%) state that they lose their train of thought up to 10 times a day. Many people say they have struggled with remembering people’s names (33%), general details (25%) and tasks that need completing (27%).

Experts from FutureYou Cambridge warn that many are also ignoring the link between their gut health and brain health – known as the ‘gut-brain axis’.

“Thanks to our growing understanding of the gut microbiome, there’s now considerable evidence of a connection between our gut and our brain, and that the state of our microbiome plays an important role in our mental and cognitive health,” says Dr Miriam Ferrer, PhD and head of new product development at FutureYou Cambridge.

“Several studies show that some gut microbiota can produce or modulate some brain messenger molecules such as dopamine or serotonin. Research has also shown that people who suffer from gut diseases such as IBD or IBS are more susceptible to suffer from neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, pointing to a role of the gut in brain health."

“We’re more aware that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods is good for our bodies, but we’re also now learning that it’s good for our gut microbiome and in turn, good for our brain health.”

In summary

Over half (52%) of Brits say their memory has become worse over the course of the past two years. 61% lose their train of thought up to 10 times a day. Almost a quarter (23%) say they have suffered from poor memory since the pandemic began.

About the research

An online survey was conducted by Atomik Research among 2,004 respondents from the UK. The research fieldwork took place on 22nd April - 25th April 2022. Atomik Research is an independent creative market research agency that employs MRS-certified researchers and abides to MRS code.

Here are some additional results we think reveals the most about our consumption and knowledge of green vegetables.

Key findings include:

• Over half (52%) of Brits say their memory has become worse over the course of the past two years.
• Almost a quarter (23%) say they have suffered from poor memory since the pandemic began.
• 35% of people either ‘didn’t believe’ or were ‘unsure’ if there was a link between gut health, and physical & mental health & wellbeing.
• Over-65s are almost 20% more likely to say they don’t think about gut health in the context of their overall health, while younger people are more in the know about the ‘gut-brain axis’.