It’s been almost a year since I reported that the National Institutes on Health awarded a grant to develop a model, community-based Brain Health Program to improve brain health and lower dementia risk.
The program is a joint effort among Posit Science, the YMCA of San Francisco, and experts from UCSF. The project was inspired by the great success of the Diabetes Prevention Program, which has grown from a few original sites (including at the YMCA of San Francisco) to more than 3,000, and has reduced new cases of Type 2 diabetes by an estimated 58%.
After a year of curriculum development and planning, the first class of this program is now underway. The program is designed to motivate people to practice habits for better brain health—through cognitive exercise (BrainHQ), diet, physical exercise, sleep, and more. If it proves successful, we look forward to the program rolling out more broadly! |
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 Best regards, Jeff Zimman
Co-founder
Posit Science |
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New from our Better Brain Health blog! |
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How to train your brain like a pro It’s important to keep your brain strong as you get older. Where can you do this? BrainHQ, which offers comprehensive, science-backed brain training exercises. Find out how to boost your memory, attention, and more. Learn more. |
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5 fun (and easy!) ways to boost your brain health As you age, it’s natural for your brain to slow down a bit. But you can keep it sharper, longer by trying new activities. Check out these super simple, joy-sparking options. (Hint: lace up those dancing shoes!). Learn more. |
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| | | New hope for treatment of chronic pain In 2019, the National Health Interview Survey found that 50.2 million American adults lived with chronic pain. And regular pain killers—like the ones you might take for a cut or a burn—aren’t very effective. Cutting-edge research has found out why. As it turns out, “[c]hronic pain is not just a more enduring version of acute pain, it is fundamentally different in the brain,” notes UCSF neurologist Pravad Shirvalkar. His team has made discoveries that may revolutionize the understanding of treatment for chronic pain. Learn more. |
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Mental health on high heat It’s well established that extreme heat affects brain function and mental health for the worse, with hotter days showing higher rates of suicide and violence. Scientists believe sleep disruption and heat’s effect on the brain chemical serotonin play a role in this dynamic—but the exact mechanisms of what’s happening in the brain are poorly understood. And with climate change, people around the globe are experiencing hotter days more often. What can we do about it? Learn more. |
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Tai chi for cognitive health A new study on people with mild cognitive impairment and type 2 diabetes has shown that practicing Tai Chi Chuan for 36 weeks significantly improved cognitive function and biological markers related to health, compared to fitness walking. That may be because Tai Chi Chuan exercises both the mind and body, through slow, precise movement and meditation. The research had some limitations, however. Learn more. |
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The Battle for Your Brain: Defending the Right to Think Freely in the Age of Neurotechnology (2023)
By Nita A. Farahany
The Battle for Your Brain is a compelling and insightful book that tackles the profound ethical dilemmas surrounding neurotechnology. With a balanced approach, Nita A. Farahany explores the potential benefits and risks of this emerging field, delving into topics such as brain-computer interfaces, cognitive enhancement, and privacy concerns. Through thorough research and engaging writing, this book prompts readers to reflect on the implications of neurotechnology and the preservation of our cognitive autonomy.
Learn more > |
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 | | Click to learn more about BrainHQ! |
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