Fostering equitable access to healthcare is very important for better brain health across the lifespan. But we must also understand the many nonmedical forces that are rooted in societal norms and practices that result in racial and ethnic discrimination and ageism and that often affect health and well-being outside of the health system. Strategies to optimize cognitive wellness must address the social and environmental context in which individuals make decisions and maintain long-term habits. Public policy and private sector innovations are part of the answer. Technology, environmental design, local services, zoning and access to the many resources that promote health and longevity can all contribute to cognitive wellness.
For these reasons, the GCBH believes that efforts to improve brain health should be a holistic, coordinated and mutually reinforcing approach across varied…
