Researchers from The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) are helping advance a growing global movement that reimagines healthcare through the lens of brain health.
In a new publication,
Jochen Reiser, MD, PhD, president of UTMB and CEO of the UTMB Health System;
Harris Eyre, MD, PhD, a senior fellow at UTMB and a leading expert in brain health and the brain economy; and
Mikele Epperly, PhD, MPH, vice president of Brain Health Transformation at UTMB, explore how principles of the emerging “brain economy” could reshape clinical care to better address the health challenges of the 21st century.
“The future of healthcare depends on our ability to think beyond traditional models of disease treatment and embrace approaches that support the health and performance of the whole person,” Reiser said. “The brain plays a central role in how people learn, work, connect with others, and maintain their overall health. Strengthening brain health has the potential to improve outcomes for individuals and communities alike.”
What is the brain economy?
The brain economy is an emerging framework that recognizes brain health and brain skills as essential assets for societal well-being and economic prosperity. Researchers and policymakers around the world increasingly view healthy brains as foundational to innovation, productivity, resilience, and quality of life.
According to the authors, applying brain economy principles in clinical settings could encourage more integrated and preventive approaches to care, including earlier identification of brain health risks, greater attention to mental and neurological health, expanded use of digital and data-driven tools, and stronger connections among clinical care, public health, and community well-being.
The shift toward prevention, personalized care, and cognitive resilience
“Advances in neuroscience, digital health, and artificial intelligence create new opportunities to rethink how we deliver care,” Eyre said. “A brain economy approach encourages health systems to focus not only on treating illness, but also on building brain capital by helping people maintain cognitive, emotional, and social well-being throughout their lives.”
Epperly added that clinical care needs to evolve toward models that are more preventive, personalized, and focused on long-term well-being.
“By taking a proactive, longitudinal, and multidisciplinary approach to brain health, we have an opportunity to improve patient outcomes while strengthening the health and resilience of entire communities,” she said.
The role of UTMB in advancing global brain health
UTMB is also contributing to several international brain health initiatives. The university is working with the McKinsey Health Institute, the Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative, and the Global Brain Economy Initiative on a forthcoming Health Systems Brain Capital Field Guide, designed to provide practical tools for health system leaders.
In addition, UTMB is helping lead Project Metis, an initiative focused on lifelong brain health to spur economic growth and enhance human flourishing. Reiser is the founding chair of Project Metis. Eyre’s leadership and vision are credited with helping launch the initiative, and Epperly serves on the Project Metis Health Systems Working Group. All three are attending the United Nations General Assembly this week to continue advancing global conversations about the importance of brain health.