- While 90% of people are aware that the brain’s capacity is not fixed by DNA and can be improved by training and habits;
- Nearly three quarters (73%) do not know where to start; and
- Knowing that the brain peaks in early adulthood causes most (74%) to want to learn more and/or do something to protect and strengthen the brain.
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“We want to empower people to improve their brain’s fitness through simple daily habits that have been scientifically shown to make a difference,” said Sandra Bond Chapman, PhD, chief director at Center for BrainHealth and professor at The University of Texas at Dallas. “BrainHealth Week 2024 shows the community practical ways to take action that can have transformative benefits for individuals and society.”
“A generation ago, the Framingham study famously ignited a revolution in heart health that has improved and extended lives around the world,” Chapman added. “The health revolution of this century is urgently focusing on the brain and taking advantage of its incredible lifelong ability to change and get stronger, based on how we use it on a daily basis.”Many Ways to ParticipateThere are multiple ways to participate in BrainHealth Week, all at no cost:- Take the 7-day Great Brain Gain text challenge by texting GAIN to 888-844-8991. This challenge, made possible thanks to support from AWS, offers a daily brain health tip that people can try out for themselves.
- Get virtual access to renowned leaders sharing insights about the state of brain health and future potential: Arianna Huffington (Feb. 21) and Dr. Sanjay Gupta (Feb. 22), headliners at an invitation-only BrainHealth Summit; and Dr. Mark D’Esposito (Feb. 23), 2024 recipient of the Charles L. Branch BrainHealth Award, the center’s highest science honor.
- Attend in-person events for young professionals (Art of BrainHealth, Feb. 20) and for families (Family Fair, Feb. 24).
- Become a citizen scientist by joining our research, which is now available on the new BrainHealth Mobile App
- Mayor Eric L. Johnson has issued an official proclamation designating the week of February 19 as BrainHealth Week.
- On February 13, City of Dallas kicks off a yearlong Great Brain Gain wellness initiative available to its 15,000 employees.
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“City of Dallas is leading the way in encouraging all our employees to get proactive with their brain health, starting by joining the Great Brain Gain text challenge and participating in BrainHealth Week activities,” said T.C. Broadnax, city manager. “We hope the brain-healthy tips and training workshops rolling out now will benefit not only our employees, but ultimately create a ripple effect with a positive impact for their families and the Dallas community.”
“We are tremendously thankful for the active engagement of the City of Dallas and many other community partners and sponsors who are helping make BrainHealth Week 2024 a great success,” said Stephen White, JD, chief operating officer at Center for BrainHealth. “We especially appreciate HKS Inc., Bank of Texas and KERA.”Propelling Texas ForwardWhen communities sustain brain health, larger economic and societal benefits follow – this is the concept behind Brainomics™, a new multi-disciplinary field rooted in the quantifiable economic and societal impact that better brain health can bring.The center partners with numerous organizations throughout the state, making Texas a leader in brain health. “”
“By leveraging corporate and organizational power, we are extending brain health strategies and concepts into corporations, education and military systems,” said Andrew S. Nevin, PhD, director of the Brainomics Venture at Center for BrainHealth. “With help from all these partners, Center for BrainHealth will be first to measure the economic value of better brain health and scale it for the broadest impact.”
“Enhancing brain health stands as a pivotal force propelling our society forward. Texas takes the forefront in this endeavor, all thanks to the groundbreaking efforts at the Center for BrainHealth,” remarked Ross Perot, Jr., Chairman of Hillwood. “Having witnessed their transformative work over the years, I've seen firsthand the center's distinctive focus on uncovering ways to improve the brain at any stage of life. Their collaboration with educators and students, first responders, military personnel and veterans, corporate leaders and aspiring professionals, homemakers, and countless others across Texas and beyond... emphasizes their unwavering commitment to empowering individuals with the tools to seize control of their cognitive well-being.”ABOUT CENTER FOR BRAINHEALTHCenter for BrainHealth®, part of The University of Texas at Dallas, is a translational research institute committed to enhancing, preserving, and restoring brain health across the lifespan. Major research areas include the use of functional and structural neuroimaging techniques to better understand the neurobiology supporting cognition and emotion in health and disease. This leading-edge scientific exploration is translated quickly into practical innovations to improve how people think, work and live, empowering people of all ages to unlock their brain potential. Translational innovations build on Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Tactics (SMART™), a proprietary methodology developed and tested by BrainHealth researchers and other teams over three decades.BrainHealth Week 2024
Free, Fun and Engaging Activities for All
Art of BrainHealth (sponsored by Bank of Texas) is a networking reception for young professionals, as well as an art exhibit and competition in which artists from UT Dallas and Dallas College merge neuroscience concepts with creative self-expression focused on empathy. A panel of esteemed judges will select a winner, and attendees will be invited to vote for a People’s Choice Award. Glass artist David Gappa, creator of the incredible installation “Introspection” in the center’s main meeting space, will be a featured speaker during the evening.Tuesday, February 20, 5:30-7:30pm Keynote speakers at the invitation-only Brain3 Summit will be livestreamed free of charge to a broader virtual audience. Arianna Huffington will have a fireside chat with Dr. Sandi Chapman, discussing what it takes to Thrive: Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder. Dr. Sanjay Gupta will be interviewed by Sarah Lenz Lock (SVP with AARP and executive director of the Global Council on Brain Health) about The Next Health Revolution.Huffington: Wednesday, February 21, 12:30-1:30pm – VIRTUALGupta: Thursday, February 22, 9:00-10:00am – VIRTUAL Frontiers of BrainHealth, a speaker series that takes a deeper dive into the science, will feature a very special talk from Dr. Mark D’Esposito, distinguished professor at UC Berkley's Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute and the Carol Heller BrainHealth Project Co-leader. As the 2024 recipient of the Charles L. Branch Award, the center’s highest science honor, he will share “A Tale About the Frontal Lobes, as Told by a Neurologist” in conversation with Dr. Charles Branch, Jr., son of the legendary neurosurgeon for whom the award is named.Friday, February 23, 11:45am-1:00pm – VIRTUAL The BrainHealth Family Fair will close out BrainHealth Week 2024. This free community event will inspire and engage families with elementary- and middle school-aged kids to be part of the Great Brain Gain. Activities will include games and interactive moments, fun insights about our brains and how we can make them stronger, arts and crafts, food trucks, and kid-friendly speakers. Expanding access even more, the day’s talks and activities will be translated into Spanish.Saturday, February 24- 10:00am-2:00pm: Activities, Games and More
- 10:30-11:00am: The Solar Eclipse, Nature and the Brain – Dr. Jeff Rich, Carnegie Science Observatories/Perot Museum of Nature and Science – LIVESTREAMED
- 12:00-12:30pm: Learning, Growing & Living Your Unique Story – Mallory Mbalia, Fred Rogers Productions/KERA Kids – LIVESTREAMED
- 1:30-2:00pm: Thought, Emotions and Inspiration for Dance – Shamonn Wise, Dallas Black Dance Theater – LIVESTREAMED
