As my mother aged into her 80s, I found myself immersed in a world where conversations about bodily functions became routine. Every day, without fail, her call to her older brother began with the same inquiry: “Did your bowels move today?” It was a ritual that, despite its predictability, never ceased to elicit an eye-roll from me. In those moments, I couldn’t help but silently beseech the forces of old age to spare me from such a fate.
The dialogue often extended beyond mere bowel movements, encompassing inquiries about sleep quality, the impact of rain on arthritis, or the state of a heart murmur. Yet, amidst discussions of bodily health, there was one question conspicuously absent: “How is your memory today?”
Reflecting on these interactions, I couldn’t help but recognize the irony embedded within them. Dr. Natalia Rost, a vascular neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and professor at Harvard Medical School, aptly articulated this irony, emphasizing the neglect of the brain—the very organ that governs our existence.
“It’s just the most ironic thing that people run for their heart health or worry about their bowels when the organ that worries is our brain,” Dr. Rost remarked, underscoring the paramount importance of prioritizing brain health. As the president-elect of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), she advocates for a paradigm shift towards preventive neurology—a movement that seeks to place brain health at the forefront of public consciousness.
The AAN’s ambitious vision entails ushering in an era where all Americans, regardless of age or background, prioritize the well-being of their brains. Termed the “brain health revolution” by Dr. Rost, this movement aims to instill an understanding that a lifetime of health hinges upon the preservation of brain function.
Central to the AAN’s mission is the concept of “well-brain” checkups—routine examinations akin to annual physicals but tailored specifically to assess brain health. The academy envisions a future where these checkups are not only commonplace but also covered by insurance as preventive care, underscoring the significance of proactive measures in safeguarding cognitive vitality.
In fact, the AAN envisions that these well-brain checkups may commence even before conception, highlighting the importance of prenatal brain health in shaping future cognitive outcomes. By integrating brain health assessments into routine medical care, the academy aims to cultivate a culture of proactive brain maintenance, transcending generational boundaries to safeguard cognitive function across the lifespan.
The implications of prioritizing brain health extend far beyond individual well-being, resonating throughout society at large. By investing in preventive neurology, we have the potential to mitigate the socioeconomic burden associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Furthermore, prioritizing brain health fosters a culture of lifelong learning and cognitive resilience, empowering individuals to thrive in an increasingly complex and demanding world.
However, effectuating this vision necessitates a multifaceted approach encompassing public education, policy advocacy, and healthcare system reform. It requires challenging entrenched stigmas surrounding mental health and reframing brain health as a fundamental component of overall well-being. Moreover, it demands equitable access to brain health resources, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not marginalized in the pursuit of cognitive vitality.
As I contemplate the trajectory of preventive neurology, I am reminded of my mother’s steadfast commitment to her brother’s well-being, as evidenced by her daily inquiries about his bodily functions. Yet, amidst the banality of these conversations, there lies a profound lesson—one that underscores the imperative of prioritizing the organ that defines our humanity: the brain.
In embracing the ethos of preventive neurology, we embrace a future where cognitive vitality knows no bounds—a future where the question “How is your memory today?” occupies a central place in our collective consciousness. It is a future defined not by the limitations of age but by the boundless potential of the human brain.
