The Center for BrainHealth has appointed new members to its 2026-27 Advisory Board, bringing together leaders from various fields to champion brain health awareness and advocacy. The new board will focus on strengthening connections between the center and communities, inspiring individuals to prioritize brain health throughout life.
Francesca Filbey, Ph.D., joins Center for BrainHealth as Deputy Director of Research, focusing on advancing research priorities, strengthening collaborations, and expanding impact. With expertise in addictive disorders and a strong track record of scientific excellence, Filbey aims to accelerate brain health research and its applications.
A new neuroimaging study has identified specific MRI biomarkers that track along with changes in an individual's brain health trajectory over time. These findings demonstrate a holistic, multidimensional index of human performance correlating with physical, measurable changes in brain architecture.
The Center for BrainHealth has partnered with Dr. Krystal Sexton to expand its workplace-focused strategy, providing science-based tools to optimize workforce performance and resilience. The partnership aims to equip organizations with scalable solutions to enhance adaptability, innovation, and long-term performance.
A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology reveals that proactive brain training can strengthen the human mind before mental health challenges take root. The research found that a five-minute daily training program delivered digitally can lower stress, lift mental health metrics, and improve cognitive clarity among adults with an...
A three-year longitudinal study of 4,000 adults reveals that proactive engagement and self-agency can measurably improve brain performance across the lifespan. The study's findings challenge the notion that cognitive decline is an inevitable part of aging.
The Paul and Shelia Schlosberg Family Foundation has donated $3 million to the Optimal BrainHealth for Warfighters initiative at Center for BrainHealth. This gift aims to boost cognitive resilience among U.S. Special Operations Command operators, veterans, and their families.
A new study from Center for BrainHealth researchers found that declining slow-wave activity during sleep explains why anxiety rises in older adults. Participants who generated fewer slow waves woke up more anxious the next morning, while those with stronger slow-wave sleep did not show the same pattern.
Renowned physician-scientist Francis Collins was recognized for his groundbreaking work on the Human Genome Project and leadership at the National Institutes of Health. The Center for BrainHealth Award honors pioneers who fundamentally reshape understanding of the brain and human potential.
The BrainHealth Network connects researchers across the country to understand brain health improvement through advanced MRI imaging and data analysis. The network leverages a comprehensive multimodal brain imaging dataset, including a longitudinal study of 100,000 healthy participants over 10 years.
Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr. received the 2026 Legacy Award for their vision and leadership in supporting brain health initiatives, particularly for U.S. military service members and veterans. The award honors their commitment to elevating human potential and cognitive resilience.
The Society for Brain Health is a new collaborative body dedicated to enhancing cognitive capacity, longevity, and proactive health optimization through cutting-edge research and tools. Its founding members include prominent neuroscientists and experts in the field of brain health.
The Brain Health Prize, a student competition to improve brain health on campus, was won by Shreeyalaxhmee Rao and Riya Acharya's 'Resilience Neighborhoods' project. The prize aims to equip students with brain-healthy strategies through innovative ideas.
The Brain Gym program combines brain science and practical tools to strengthen cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation, and stress management. Early adopters include the Dallas Police Department, recognizing the importance of accessible brain health support.
Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman, founder of Center for BrainHealth, was inducted into the Texas Philosophical Society for her groundbreaking work on cognitive neuroscience and brain health. Her leadership has propelled UT Dallas's Center for BrainHealth into an international hub advancing brain health research.
The Sleep Innovation Laboratories, led by Dr. Matthew Walker and Eti Ben Simon, aims to bridge foundational neuroscience with real-world application related to sleep. The Labs will focus on creating greater access to engaging, actionable sleep education and advancing a core strategy of the Center for BrainHealth.
BrainHealth Week 2026 will explore precision brain health, biosensor technology, and mental resilience, offering actionable strategies for improving daily performance and quality of life. The event brings together industry leaders, scientific community, students, and the community at large to discuss practical roadmap for longevity.
Research reveals cannabis use may promote deep, restorative sleep critical for physical restoration and immune function, but at the cost of reduced emotional regulation and memory integration. Chronic cannabis users experience diminishing benefits as use increases.
The BrainHealthy competition offers real-world experience to talented young brain health researchers. The contest aims to advance new studies on age-related brain changes, brain health biomarkers, and Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Matthew Walker brings a multi-disciplinary approach to sleep research, focusing on the impact of sleep on human health and disease, and developing new tools and technologies to measure and improve sleep quality. The Sleep Innovation Laboratories will serve as a vital hub for discovery, innovation and public education.
The Center for BrainHealth has welcomed 20 new advisory board members for 2025-2026, bolstering its depth of talent and expertise. The new board members will champion the center's mission to advance cognitive neuroscience research and promote brain health across the lifespan.
The Center for BrainHealth's Charisma Virtual Social Coaching has been selected as a Top 3 Finalist for the 2025 GIMI Innovation Award. The platform offers real-time social-emotional coaching, immersive role-play, and data tracking to help youth and young adults build social confidence and perspective.
The Center for BrainHealth has received a new $1 million match gift from retired Admiral William McRaven to enhance its Optimal BrainHealth for Warfighters program. This program provides critical training for proactive brain health and introduces essential tools to measure and track change over time.
A randomized clinical trial found that SMART training improved cognitive gains in active-duty service members with mTBI, with significant benefits seen after just one-third of the training time compared to traditional SCORE protocols. The study suggests that SMART brain training can contribute to faster return to mission readiness and ...
A randomized clinical trial found that SMART training significantly improved cognitive gains in active-duty service members with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The top-down approach of SMART brain training showed faster cognitive gains compared to a bottom-up approach.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas has developed a new pilot program called 'YES YOU CAN!' focusing on brain plasticity and comprehensive support for children, teens, parents, and counselors. The initiative aims to promote well-being and provide access to expert care through virtual and in-person methods.
The Center for BrainHealth has assembled a seasoned team, including retired Navy Admiral William McRaven's match gift commitment, to expand its Optimal BrainHealth for Warfighters program. The program aims to improve cognitive capacity in the military and leverage brain health tools to prevent or mitigate health issues.
The Center for BrainHealth has established three major new partnerships to enhance its mission to empower people at all ages with science-backed approaches for proactive brain health and fitness. The partnerships include GoMo Health, which will leverage the center's content to expand resources and improve compliance among large patient...
The Center for BrainHealth hosts its third annual BrainHealth Week, offering simple tools and effective measurements for proactively increasing brain fitness and performance. A recent national survey reveals that 75% of people do not know how to promote brain gains, which BrainHealth Week aims to address.
A recent study by the Center for BrainHealth found that long-term cannabis use is associated with poorer sleep quality, which in turn affects memory performance. The research, published in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, involved 141 adults with cannabis use disorder and 87 non-users.
A recent study published in Cerebral Cortex found that participants exposed to 18-Hz beta binaural beats had significantly higher accuracy and faster response times during comprehension tasks. This suggests that binaural beat stimulation at this frequency may be a potential tool for improving language skills.
Researchers developed a machine learning model that accurately predicted improvements in brain health using neural biomarkers. The study achieved 90% accuracy and confirmed a functional relationship between the BrainHealth Index and neural markers.
New research from Center for BrainHealth demonstrates the positive impact of online Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Tactics (SMART) training on mental health symptoms. The study found improvements in depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in healthy adults, with lasting effects six months post-training.
The study found that Charisma Virtual Social Training improved recognition of emotions, inference of social intentions, understanding of perspectives, and description of pro-social qualities in youth. The research demonstrated significant benefits regardless of delivery model or ASD diagnosis status.
The Center for BrainHealth has launched three research projects to develop objective metrics of improved brain systems in response to interventions. These projects aim to determine the changes in the brain's physiology, structure, and function linked to gains in comprehensive psycho-social measurements over time.
The study demonstrates that professional development with a focus on neuroscience equips teachers to reduce learning gaps in eighth-grade students. Students who received SMART training showed improvements exceeding the statewide average in Reading, Mathematics, and other subjects.
A kindness training program adapted from Children's Kindness Network improves both parents' resilience and children's empathy. The study found that teaching kindness at home boosts parental resilience and enhances emotional intelligence in preschoolers, supporting overall brain health.
A dental device to reduce snoring improves cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The maximum breathing rate during uninterrupted periods of sleep can differentiate healthy individuals from those with Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment. Improved sleep may slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Susan Hockfield, President Emerita of MIT, received the 10th Dr. Charles L. Branch BrainHealth Award for her groundbreaking work on brain discoveries and leadership. The award honors neuroscientists who have made significant breakthroughs in advancing brain health research.
Researchers from the Center for BrainHealth developed a virtual platform, Charisma™, to enhance social skills in middle school students. The study found that participation in virtual training sessions led to improvements in students' confidence, participation in the classroom, and ability to communicate with peers and teachers.
A new study using 7T brain scans suggests that compromised energy metabolism may be an early indicator of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The researchers found a correlation between the energy reserve index and cognition levels, providing new insights into the disease.
The BrainHealth Project trial unveiled a novel online platform delivering science-backed approach to measuring, improving, and tracking brain fitness. Participants showed significant improvements in their BrainHealth Index scores, with positive changes observed across various domains of brain health.
A new virtual reality cognitive assessment has been developed by Center for BrainHealth researchers, effectively testing executive function in everyday tasks. The study found that participants' performance is not related to their working memory capacity, but rather on their strategies and approaches.
Research from the Center for BrainHealth reveals that a shortened training protocol can lead to lasting improvements in first responders' brain health. The Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Tactics (SMART) training improved cognitive function, particularly in integrated reasoning abilities among military personnel.
The BrainHealth Project aims to redefine brain health as a critical asset, improving emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning. By investing in employees' brain health, organizations can tap into their limitless potential, catalyze innovative thinking, and strengthen productivity.
The study found that patients who participated in the SMART program made more informed decisions about their medical treatment options six months later. The SMART protocol helps improve gist reasoning abilities, enabling patients to focus on key facts and make decisions aligned with their personal values.
Researchers at Center for BrainHealth used 7-Tesla MRS to differentiate energy molecules in the brains of patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment, a condition that may lead to Alzheimer's disease. The findings could help develop tests for early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's.
The Center for BrainHealth's Adolescent Reasoning Initiative has trained over 600 middle and high school teachers to reach 80,000 students, improving executive function skills. The initiative aims to develop problem-solving, reasoning, and innovating abilities in students.
The study identified fluctuations in brain network connectivity during cravings, particularly between reward-related regions such as the central executive network and the nucleus accumbens. These dynamic patterns are associated with cannabis use disorder severity and can be used as biomarkers for treatment strategies.
The Center for BrainHealth provides online cognitive training modules, video series, and live sessions to help front line workers mitigate stress and boost cognitive performance. The program aims to empower participants with tools and practices to impact their capacity for stress resilience.