Amid trend in health optimization, scientists focus on optimizing the brain
"Health optimization" and "body hacking" are all the rage as people strap on wearable technology, undergo blood tests to monitor health biomarkers and commit to extreme exercise, supplements, diets and often unapproved medical therapies to maximize longevity.
Scientists are shifting focus to optimize brain health as part of the broader health optimization trend. Mark D. Esposito, a UC Berkeley neurologist, emphasizes that many health interventions have little substantiated benefit unless they also improve brain function. Esposito, who has spent 35 years studying brain function using MRI scans, is working to establish MRI benchmarks for brain health.
He argues that neurology should transition from treating disease to focusing on preventive neurology, similar to the fitness revolution. Governments and organizations, including the World Health Organization, are recognizing the importance of brain health and cognitive well-being across the lifespan. Esposito co-founded the Society for Brain Health to promote research on effective brain fitness interventions and develop objective markers for brain health.
The BrainHealth Index (BHI) is a measure that assesses cognitive, social, and emotional well-being through lifestyle questionnaires, online tasks, and online cognitive training. By optimizing brain health, researchers hope to enhance overall health and longevity.
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