Laying the Foundation: Early Education for Lifelong Brain Health

Brain health is not just about managing aging-related disorders like dementia; it’s about fostering resilience and optimal functioning throughout life. According to Licet Valois, a social worker specializing in dementia prevention, early education and community engagement are key to empowering individuals to take proactive steps in preserving brain health. “We don’t have to wait until someone is diagnosed or starts showing symptoms of dementia to get involved,” she emphasizes. Instead, education about brain health should begin early and involve families, schools, and communities.

The Role of Education in Brain Health

Building lifelong brain health begins with awareness and education. Dr. Juan Melendez, a psychogeriatrician and clinical researcher at IND, highlights a successful example from Harlem, New York, where a school-based program led by Mount Sinai Hospital educated children on healthy lifestyle habits. This initiative went further by engaging parents and teachers, creating a holistic network of support. “They went beyond just telling them what is healthy… They also educated their parents and teachers,” Dr. Melendez explains. The program also taught children emotional regulation and action control, essential skills for developing brain resilience.

This approach underscores the power of early intervention. By integrating brain health into educational systems and family settings, we create opportunities for young people to develop habits that reduce their risk of cognitive decline later in life.

Prevention Versus Delay

Though prevention is the ideal goal, delaying the onset of neurological conditions such as dementia can still yield significant benefits. Valois raises an essential question: “Wouldn’t it be more encouraging for an individual who knows they’re at risk to engage in behaviors that delay the onset?” The answer lies in empowering individuals to understand their potential risks and equipping them with actionable strategies to safeguard their brain health.

From a broader perspective, this strategy can reduce the societal and economic burden of brain disorders. As Dr. Melendez points out, 25% of the population is currently affected by mental or neurological disorders. National brain health plans in countries like Germany and Finland aim to address this crisis by prioritizing prevention, education, and family support.

Creating a Culture of Support

Education is only one part of the equation; fostering supportive environments is equally critical. Dr. Melendez emphasizes the importance of peer and community support, which was a key factor in the success of the FINGER study (Ngandu et al. 2015) on brain health interventions. “It’s about those individuals feeling supported by a group,” he says, underscoring the role of collective motivation in achieving brain health goals.

Valois further stresses the importance of family-oriented approaches, where children and adults alike learn about the implications of brain health together. Whether it’s understanding why a grandparent behaves differently or adopting healthy lifestyle habits as a family, these shared experiences can create a lasting foundation for brain health.

A Lifelong Investment

By fostering awareness, education, and community support, we can instill a culture of brain health that begins in childhood and continues throughout life. The earlier we start building this foundation, the better equipped we are to maximize potential, delay the onset of neurological conditions, and create thriving, resilient communities.

As Dr. Melendez aptly puts it, “The ramifications of having good brain health benefit the whole community.” It’s time to invest in that foundation, ensuring a healthier future for all.

To learn more about brain health education strategies, watch our conversation with Dr. Juan Melendez and Licet Valois in the video above.

By Alicia J. Barber, PhD