On 24 February 2025, the Academic Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association “Alzheimer’s and Dementia” published the paper "Life span policies and macroeconomic transition will help the 21st-century brain health revolution in developing countries" co-authored by EMEA Advisor, Dr. Harris A. Eyre. Eyre is also lead and senior fellow in neuro-policy with Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public policy, Executive director of the Brain Capital Alliance and the Brain Economy Hub.

The paper underlines the importance of lifespan policies and macroeconomic reforms in advancing brain health in developing countries. While the WHO has issued global strategies to improve brain health, significant gaps persist. The authors advocate for policies that promote brain health across all life stages, including reducing alcohol, sugar, and tobacco consumption, integrating school meal programs, and implementing social pension schemes.

To sustain these efforts, developing countries must pursue key macroeconomic reforms, such as revising trade agreements, strengthening tax systems, addressing illicit financial flows, eliminating financial exclusion, and expanding social welfare programs. By adopting these measures, developing countries can lead the charge in advancing the 21st-century brain health agenda, fostering both societal well-being and sustainable economic development.

Prof. Rym Ayadi, Founder and President of EMEA and co-founder of the Brain Capital Alliance and of the Brain Economy Hub noted, “This innovative work provides inspiration toward G20 South Africa. G20 South Africa will have a significant focus on economic growth and brain health is a new lever to boost growth. In a complex world, we need new ideas and EMEA is committed to further developing the brain economy transition.”

Paper authors: Cyprian M. Mostert, Chinedu Udeh-Momoh, Manasi Kumar, Murad Khan, Shehzad Ali, Kendi Muchungi, Gloria Chemutai, Cynthia Smith, Dominic Trepel, Harris Eyre, Lukoye Atwoli, Zul Merali

Link to paper: https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.70006