World Brain Day 2025: Celebrating Brain Health Across the Lifespan
By Angelia Tu
Photo from [BC Brain Wellness Program]
World Brain Day on July 22nd, 2025, is a day where people come together to recognize that taking care of our brains is a lifelong journey under the theme of Brain Health for All Ages. Whether you’re learning to skip rope, navigating your career, or enjoying retirement life, brain health plays a vital role in shaping your daily experience throughout our lifespans.
This year, the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) invites us to reflect on how brain health evolves through every chapter of life, and how we can support this ongoing process through every step (Grisold et al., 2025). This theme builds on years of advocacy and research, emphasizing that brain health is not only a personal priority but a global right we all take part in.
What is brain health, and why does it matter?
According to the World Health Organization, brain health is “the state of brain functioning across cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, and motor domains, allowing a person to realize their full potential over the life course” (WHO, 2022). This includes important aspects like memory, attention, resilience of our emotions, and it is influenced by everything from sleep and nutrition to social support and environmental exposures (WHO, 2022).
Brain health isn’t static, as our brains are always changing and growing and adapting. This dynamic ability is known as neuroplasticity, and is one of the brain’s superpowers. The National Academies of Sciences emphasizes that positive brain development and resilience can happen at any age, but especially thrive in environments that support learning, personal safety, and a purpose (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2020).
The brain through different ages
Each stage of life brings different adjustments and opportunities for the brain.
Childhood:
Rapid brain growth and development take place, especially in early childhood.
Loving caregivers, nutritious food, and playful, enriched environments help form strong cognitive and emotional foundations.
Early experiences shape lifelong learning, memory, emotional regulation, and resilience (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2020)
Teenage and early adulthood:
The brain continues to mature, especially the prefrontal cortex, which supports decision-making and impulse control.
Emotion regulation, memory, and risk assessment are still developing, making support and healthy routines especially important.
Sleep, meaningful relationships, and managing academic/social stress all impact brain development (McClung, 2019; National Academies, 2020)
Midlife:
Lifestyle choices have a greater effect on brain health and future cognitive function.
Heart health, stress levels, mental wellness, and sleep play key roles in maintaining brain performance.
Physical activity, brain-healthy diets, and stress management can reduce long-term risks (WHO, 2022; Grisold et al., 2025)
Older adulthood:
Risk for dementia and other neurological conditions increases, but decline is not inevitable.
Staying mentally and socially active through learning, volunteering, or creative hobbies helps protect brain functions.
Daily movement with a sense of purpose and community engagement can support emotional and cognitive wellbeing (WHO, 2022; National Academies, 2020)
Contrary to common stereotypes, cognitive decline is not entirely inevitable with aging. Practices like regular physical activity, lifelong learning, and social engagement have been shown to protect brain health and even delay or reduce the impact of conditions like Alzheimer’s (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2020).
Bridging brain science with daily wellness
One of the most powerful messages from this year’s World Brain Day is that brain health is deeply connected to everyday wellness. A growing body of research supports the idea that accessible practices such as mindfulness, music, and community connection can strengthen our brains over time. Here are a few research-backed strategies:
Photo from [The Cleveland Clinic]
1. Move more to think better
Physical activity improves blood flow to the brain, supports memory, and encourages the growth of new brain cells. Regular aerobic exercise, such as even a brisk walk, can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and depression in older adults (WHO, 2022).
2. Mindfulness matters
Mindfulness meditation is more than a wellness trend. It has been linked to increased gray matter density in areas of the brain responsible for learning, memory, and emotional regulation (Rost et al., 2023). Just five to ten minutes a day of conscious breathing can bring noticeable benefits to your daily wellbeing.
3. Feed your brain
Diets rich in leafy greens, omega-3s (like in fish or walnuts), berries, and whole grains support brain health. By eating nutritious, good foods, our energy and moods can also get a boost.
4. The healing power of music
Music activates multiple brain networks at once, supporting memory and mood. Some programs have shown that listening to music, especially familiar songs, can stimulate recall and connection in people with dementia.
5. Stay social
Research indicates that maintaining friendships and participating in meaningful group activities can enhance mood and cognitive function. Some fun activities, such as volunteering and community classes, can help maintain a sense of community.
World Brain Day 2025 is more than a celebration, as it’s a call to care for the incredible organ that shapes every part of who we are. Whether you're an older adult looking to stay mentally sharp, a caregiver supporting a loved one, or someone simply seeking more clarity, this is the perfect moment to embrace habits that nourish the brain. Let’s mark this year’s theme of Brain Health for All Ages with a sense of hope and empowerment. Our brains are remarkably adaptable and resilient, capable of learning and growth at any stage of life.
BC Brain Wellness Program class registration starts on August 25! Check out all the free classes on line and other in person offerings to work on your wellness plan in the fall!
https://www.bcbrainwellness.ca/
References
Grisold, W., Dodick, D., Guekht, A., Lewis, S., Logan, A., & Wijnerate, T. (2025). The World Federation of Neurology: Brain health for all ages 2025. Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 474, 123530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2025.123530
HADEA. (2025, July 22). World Brain Day 2025: Protecting brain health through EU-funded projects. European Health and Digital Executive Agency. https://hadea.ec.europa.eu/news/world-brain-day-2025-protecting-brain-health-through-eu-funded-projects-2025-07-22_en
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2020). Brain health across the life span: Proceedings of a workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/25703
Rost, N. S., et al. (2023). The brain health imperative in the 21st century—a call to action. Neurology, 101(13), 570–579. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000207584
World Federation of Neurology. (2023). Looking back on World Brain Day. World Neurology Online. https://worldneurologyonline.com/article/looking-back-on-world-brain-day/
World Health Organization. (2022). Optimizing brain health across the life course. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240076624
