Building Brain Health: development of a brain health community framework

Introduction There is increasing evidence that brain health is determined through exposure to multiple factors across the life course. For this reason, adopting a brain health-informed approach to housing design, delivery and community development is important. However, the conceptual and practical tools and approaches that speak to these issues are underdeveloped. Objective(s) We developed a conceptual brain health community framework as an initial activity in a project to adopt brain health principles within an existing multigenerational social housing development. Methods This framework, called the Brain Health Community Framework, was developed through expert consensus, drawing on relevant sectors and disciplines, with international input. The framework was also used to structure a needs assessment workshop with the community. Results This values-based framework comprises six pillars, along with key principles, enablers and barriers to implementation allocated to each pillar. Discussion While preliminary, the framework is presented as a conceptual ‘starting point’ for organisations and communities seeking to develop brain health approaches to housing and community development.