Behind the data: Women’s brain health BOX 2 Certain brain-related conditions – including depression, anxiety, dementias and migraines – disproportionately affect women. For example, two-thirds of people living with Alzheimer’s disease globally are women.16 Many of the conditions that shorten women’s healthspan (for example, endometriosis) or lifespan (for example, breast cancer) also have close links with mental health challenges, compounding the overall burden. Even natural biological transitions can introduce brain health challenges. During menopause, the precipitous decline of oestrogen can increase the risk of cognitive decline, a symptom associated with mild cognitive impairment and dementia.17 Research is still nascent in many areas of women’s brain health, with the first comprehensive mapping of the maternal brain from preconception through the post-partum period only published in 2024.18 Mental and neurological disorders account for nearly 25% of the $1 trillion GDP gains that could be realized annually by 2040 by closing the women’s health gap.19 Incorporating sex-based approaches in care and intervention can address gaps in efficacy, adoption and uptake that could affect both men and women. Support promotion of healthy brain function and prevention of brain health conditions across the life course1 Brain health is shaped across the life course. From conception onwards, multiple windows of vulnerability and opportunity determine brain development, function and resilience. Yet many health systems are designed to treat acute symptoms in adulthood, missing opportunities to strengthen brain health earlier and more effectively. Proactive age- and sex-appropriate interventions can protect brain health before problems arise. For example, access to quality prenatal and perinatal care promotes healthy brain development before birth.20 In early childhood, ensuring adequate nutrition,21 reducing toxic stress22 and providing timely screening23 can improve a child’s neurodevelopment.24 Proactive interventions are also critical later in life. About 85% of the global health impact of stroke is causally linked to one or more of 23 modifiable risk factors that include high blood pressure, air pollution, unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity and alcohol use.25 For brain health in older adults, the US POINTER study highlights the benefits of combined lifestyle interventions, such as neuroprotective diets, exercise and cognitive training.26 These interventions also drive healthy longevity, reinforcing the links between brain health, metabolic health and cardiovascular resilience.27 Early detection also plays a critical role. Cognitive and behavioural assessment tools, with emerging evidence around digital and biological biomarkers, can establish a baseline and identify issues early, supporting behavioural changes or early intervention when needed.28 Promoting brain health across the life course, within and beyond health systems, is essential to building population-level brain capital and reducing the compounding effects of untreated conditions. Scale access to evidence-based treatment and services for brain health conditions While many brain health conditions may not have a known cure, they are treatable. Scaling access to proven brain health interventions could reduce the global burden of disease by more than 260 million DALYs – a measure that captures both years lost to early death and years lived with illness or disability.29 This could result in up to $6.2 trillion in cumulative GDP gains, with more people able to live fully, contribute meaningfully and sustain their roles as parents, partners and community members.30 Timely access to effective care matters across the life course. For example, a child who is neurodivergent needs timely support to learn and thrive; a mother experiencing depression needs care to regain stability for herself and her child; and an older adult facing dementia deserves early identification and respectful care. Treatment gaps remain widespread across all settings and are particularly stark in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where more than 75% of people with MNS disorders go without access to adequate services and support.31 When care is available, it is often fragmented, outdated or not adapted to the cultural and practical realities of local communities. Without consistent quality, patients are less likely to improve, and governments and health systems lose the opportunity to achieve meaningful returns on their investments.2 The Human Advantage: Stronger Brains in the Age of AI 8

The Human Advantage Stronger Brains in the Age of AI 2026