The Brain House at Davos 2025

Advancing brain health and economic resilience.

Prof. Freedman attended this meeting on behalf of the WFN.

By Morris Freedman

(Left to right): Prof. Morris Freedman, George Vradenburg, and Dr. Alfred Njamnshi.

The launch of the Brain House was held in conjunction with the World Economic Forum in January 2025 in Davos, Switzerland. It was hosted by the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC) under the leadership of George Vradenburg, chair of the DAC and founder of Brain House. Co-organized by Harris Eyre, who leads the Baker Institute Neuro-Policy Program at Rice University, Brain House served as a global platform to highlight the critical link between brain health and economic growth. I attended on behalf of the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) as a trustee and treasurer.

Brain health is a key priority for the WFN, as demonstrated by its strong global engagement and advocacy efforts. Over the past four years, the WFN has dedicated consecutive World Brain Day campaigns to the theme of brain health, highlighting its critical role in overall well-being. These initiatives have focused on brain health for all, prevention, and disability, with this year’s theme being “Brain Health for All Ages.” Through international collaboration, communication, and knowledge exchange, the WFN continues to promote brain health as a global concern, aligning with initiatives such as the Brain House at Davos to further drive awareness and action.

The event featured six expert-led sessions, bringing together stakeholders from diverse sectors — including funders, policymakers, industry leaders, nongovernment organizations (NGOs), and foundations — to discuss strategies for enhancing brain health and driving systemic change on a global scale. The Brain House aimed to build a global coalition to lead transformative efforts, explore the intersections between brain health and economic resilience, and mobilize resources and innovation to address shared challenges. Throughout the discussions, the role of partnerships and research in achieving these goals was emphasized.

Much of the discussion centered on prevention and early detection of cognitive impairment. However, during one of the discussion periods, I had the opportunity to emphasize that brain health encompasses the full spectrum of cognitive function — from normal cognition to severe dementia — with the goal of maximizing function at all stages. Thus, we must include individuals who are beyond the stage of prevention and early detection (i.e., those who already suffer from dementia) in our efforts to promote brain health worldwide.

Brain Capital and the Brain Economy

A recurring theme throughout the conference was the concept of brain capital, a form of human capital that integrates brain health with essential cognitive, emotional, and social skills, including analytical thinking, creativity, adaptability, and empathy. Closely related is the concept of the brain economy, an economic paradigm that positions brain capital as a core asset. This model, driven by advances in neuroscience, responds to the increasing demand for cognitive, emotional, and social brain skills in the modern workforce.^1,2

(Left to right): Dr. Zul Merali, Dr. Harris Eyre, Dr. Alfred Njamnshi, and Dr. Morris Freedman.

Key Sessions

Session 1 | A Life Course Approach to Brain Health for the Future

This session explored how employers, consumers, governments, and investors can foster innovation across sectors and societies, promoting best practices and actionable models for progress. Dr. Catharina Boehme, assistant director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), opened the panel discussion by presenting a report prepared by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The report underscored the global challenge posed by aging populations, with over three billion people affected by neurological diseases. Given that nearly 50% of dementia cases are attributable to known modifiable risk factors, the report advocated for a life course approach to dementia prevention. Key recommendations included promoting maternal health, good nutrition, quality health care access, early education, and nurturing environments. It also emphasized the importance of a healthy workplace, access to mental health services, physical activity, social interaction, and managing risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes.

The report also outlined the WHO’s priorities, urging policymakers, industry leaders, health care providers, and innovators to champion brain health, educate communities on its significance, and foster lifelong learning and social connections.

Session 2 | Fueling Brain Health: The Innovation and Investment Imperative

The discussion emphasized the urgent need for innovation and investment in brain health to drive sustainable progress. Experts highlighted the importance of collaboration and the opportunity to leverage the convergence of emerging technologies.

Session 3 | Unlocking Global South Potential: Building Economic Resilience Through Brain Health

This session explored how brain health can strengthen economic resilience in the Global South, with a focus on Africa. Zul Merali, founding director of the Mind and Brain Institute at Aga Khan University, highlighted that Africa’s older population is growing rapidly and is expected to become one of the largest aging populations in the world.

Session 4 | Brain Resilience Strategies for Emerging Global Challenges

Panelists discussed strategies to enhance brain resilience in response to global challenges, including an aging population. They highlighted that most dementia cases over the next 50 years will arise in regions such as Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The discussion also underscored the importance of implementing brain resilience strategies early in life to maximize their effectiveness.

Session 5 | Brain Capital: Unlocking Workforce Resilience and Long-Term Economic Growth

This session emphasized the vital role of brain capital in fostering workforce resilience and long-term economic growth. The discussion underscored the growing importance of investing in brain capital amid evolving global trends, including an aging population, shifts in the nature of work, the rising burden of neurological disorders, and an increasing understanding of early brain development.

Session 6 | Setting a Yearlong Course of Action: Launching a Global Brain Health Movement

As chair of this final session, George Vradenburg, chair and co-founder of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, emphasized the pressing challenges posed by aging demographics and the rapid rise of chronic diseases associated with aging. He highlighted the economic burden of these conditions, projecting that associated costs will triple within the next 25 years.

Vradenburg also underscored the shrinking workforce due to declining birth rates and stressed the need to enhance brain resilience to improve productivity. He advocated for a strong focus on the Global South, where population growth will drive much of the world’s future economic expansion. He further emphasized the importance of integrating technology into brain health solutions in ways that are accessible and applicable in resource-limited settings.

Drawing a parallel to the global response to COVID-19, Vradenburg called for similar energy and commitment in tackling the pandemic of brain disorders.

Claudio Bassetti, past president of the European Academy of Neurology and vice chair of the European Brain Council, was another panelist during this final session. He indicated that next steps for advancing the goals of the Brain House include partnerships, a holistic approach, and setting priorities.

Watch videos of the sessions.

Conclusion

The Brain House served as a pivotal platform to underscore the indispensable link between brain health and economic security. By bringing together leaders from government, health care, academia, business, and advocacy, the event facilitated interdisciplinary discussions to shape comprehensive strategies for improving brain health globally. •

Prof. Morris Friedman is treasurer of the WFN.