Love Your Brain is a free digital platform developed by Monash University, Stroke Foundation, and the Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the University of Tasmania to empower people to take action to prevent stroke.
The team are now looking for people aged 45 and over to participate in a research program.
One stroke occurs every 11 minutes in Australia. For each person who has a stroke, their lifetime cost to the economy will total $350,000 and half of that cost will be created in the first year alone, according to a report by the Stroke Foundation. Stroke is increasingly affecting younger people, with about one in four strokes occurring in people under 55.
And many working-age survivors of stroke struggle with fatigue, memory loss, or reduced concentration, preventing them from resuming their previous jobs and leading to financial hardship.
"Given these profound impacts, stroke prevention is crucial, and raising awareness about lifestyle changes that can reduce risk is essential to protecting the health and well-being of Australians," Monash University's Professor Monique Kilkenny said.
A recent article in The Lancet Neurology highlighted that stroke prevention is achievable with improved lifestyle behaviours, including smoking cessation and reduction of alcohol, salt, and sugar.
As described by Professor Kilkenny, the platform is "designed to increase awareness of stroke risk factors and encourage simple steps towards better health, using evidence-based content via emails, text messages, or an online course."
"Through this trial, we aim to equip Australians with practical tools and knowledge to take control of their brain health in an accessible and engaging way."
The team are now seeking participants aged 45 or more who have never had a stroke or major heart event.
Participation involves access to the digital platform for 12 weeks and two online surveys. The time commitment is flexible and should take no more than 30 minutes per week.
Over 12 weeks, participants will receive information about stroke, hear stories from people who have had a stroke, and receive tips on how to reduce their risk of stroke.
To access Love Your Brain or find out more, visit: https://redcap.link/LoveYourBrain by August 2025.