0
0
A new commentary published this week in Circulation has called for urgent public policies aimed at enhancing brain health as a growing global concern. Researchers highlight that an estimated 3.4 billion people—43% of the global population—were affected by a neurological condition in 2021, resulting in 11.1 million deaths. The rise in conditions such as stroke, dementia, and late-life depression—often referred to as the three major disorders of the aging brain—signals the impending “gray tsunami.” Experts believe that addressing these challenges requires a national commitment to improving brain health.
Dr. Mitchell S.V. Elkind, co-author of the commentary and chief clinical science officer at the American Heart Association, emphasized the remarkable strides made in neuroscience and the treatment of neurological illnesses. He also highlighted the inextricable link between the heart and the brain, underscoring the need for public policies to harness these advances.
“The efforts to understand the brain have led to tremendous progress, but to truly improve public health, we need a commitment that focuses on advancing scientific research, educating the healthcare workforce, and advocating for policies that enhance brain health,” said Elkind.
A major point raised in the commentary is the emerging concept of “brain capital,” which emphasizes the economic benefits of promoting cognitive skills, creativity, social adaptability, and entrepreneurship. The authors argue that a broader focus on “brain capital” could counteract the “brain-negative” economy found in regions with inadequate education and poor nutrition, which undermine healthy brain development.
The commentary calls for a shift in focus—from solely preventing brain disorders to optimizing brain development across the lifespan, particularly in children and adolescents, while preventing cognitive decline in later years. Public policy, according to the researchers, plays a crucial role in realizing this shift.
Dr. Harris Eyre, co-author and lead of the Neuro-Policy Program at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, argued for a more interdisciplinary approach to brain health. “We need an agenda that incorporates multiple sectors of society, addressing disparities in brain health and focusing on changes throughout an individual’s life,” Eyre explained.
Cheryl Pegus, another co-author of the commentary and a prominent advocate for public health, further stressed the societal benefits of a national commitment to brain health. “Greater brain capital would yield enormous benefits to society, including economic returns and improvements in quality of life,” said Pegus. “The American Heart Association is playing a pivotal role in these efforts.”
The commentary stresses the importance of advancing research, public awareness, and policy advocacy to improve brain health and promote brain capital. While the views expressed in the commentary reflect the authors’ perspectives, they do not necessarily represent the official stance of the American Heart Association.
For more information, refer to: Mitchell S.V. Elkind et al., An Advocacy Agenda for the Human Brain: Moving From Brain Health to Brain Capital, Circulation (2025). DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.124.073077
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the American Heart Association.
