The Human Advantage Stronger Brains in the Age of AI 2026

Introduction The brain is the body’s most complex and vital organ, governing everything from basic life functions, such as breathing, to advanced cognition, emotional regulation and complex decision-making. Strengthening brain health has benefits beyond the brain, with positive associations across multiple dimensions of health, including metabolic, cardiovascular, social, emotional and spiritual health. For example, a five-point higher Brain Care Score – a measure evaluating modifiable brain health factors – is associated with a 43% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and 31% lower incidence of lung, colorectal and breast cancer.6 Proactively building positive brain health and strengthening brain skills can improve social cohesion, enhance holistic health, strengthen societal stability and promote inclusive economic growth.7,8 Anyone who has experienced depression, watched a child struggle in school, taken care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or seen co-workers struggle with cognitive overload can grasp the benefits of investing in stronger brains. Despite its central importance, the brain has long been underprioritized in global policy and investment. This is not for lack of effort; researchers, advocates and practitioners have been making the case for decades,9 but until recently, fragmented definitions, limited measurement tools and prejudice and discrimination around mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) disorders have made it difficult to unify action or elevate brain health and brain skills as economic priorities. Today, advances in science, a clearer understanding of the brain’s role in productivity and resilience and growing global attention to disruption related to artificial intelligence (AI) are creating a moment where coordinated investment in the brain has become an economic imperative. Just as the Industrial Revolution transformed societies from agrarian to machine-focused, reframing investments, driving innovation and catalysing global progress, a similar shift is needed to maximize human potential. This is where brain capital enters the conversation. Brain capital combines two elements: brain health – a state of optimal brain functioning supported by the promotion of healthy brain development and prevention or treatment of MNS disorders – and brain skills, which are the foundational cognitive, interpersonal, self-leadership and technological literacy abilities that enable people to adapt, relate and contribute meaningfully. These two elements are a natural pairing, with emerging science highlighting the interrelationship between brain health conditions and brain skills. For example, common modifiable risk and protective factors such as stress, sleep and community engagement have proven benefits across brain health and brain skills, suggesting that interventions targeting brain health can have cascading benefits across brain skills and vice versa.10Building brain capital means valuing and investing in the brain health and brain skills of people of all ages. The Human Advantage: Stronger Brains in the Age of AI 5