Call to Action
This session underscores the business community's critical focus on brain health, particularly in Houston, and highlights the Dementia Prevention Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) initiative as a crucial step towards securing sustained funding for neuro and dementia research. Discussions emphasize the need for entrepreneurial, collaborative action to establish Houston as a global "lighthouse for brain health" and outline a comprehensive international strategy to integrate brain health into the global economic agenda, aiming for a brain economy transition strategy announcement in Davos by 2026.
Discussants:
Eric Mullins, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Lime Rock Resources
David Gow, CEO, Center for Houston's Future
Ashley McPhail Chief External Affairs and Administration Officer, Texas Medical Center
George Vradenburg, Chairman, Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative and UsAgainstAlzheimer’s
Eric Mullins, Chairman and CEO of Lime Rock Resources, affirmed the business community's focus on brain health, particularly in Houston, noting the significant but underutilized resources for brain health exacerbated by COVID-19. Ashley McPhail, Chief External Affairs and Administration Officer at Texas Medical Center, highlighted the Dementia Prevention Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) initiative, which has passed both the Senate and House and will be on the November ballot as a constitutional amendment, urging statewide participation to support research, commercialization, and Texas leadership in neuro and dementia.
David Gow, President and CEO of the Center for Houston's Future, expressed his aspiration for Houston to become a global "lighthouse for brain health," leading and sharing findings with the world. He called for entrepreneurial, collaborative, and inspired action, emphasizing Houston's history of bold visions and collective efforts. George Vradenburg, Chairman of the Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative and UsAgainstAlzheimer's, highlighted the personal impact of dementia and mental health issues, noting that 75-80% of the audience had been affected. He stressed the collaborative nature of the effort, emphasizing that no single entity can address these challenges alone. Vradenburg outlined the journey ahead, including virtual and live G7 events in June, discussions at the World Economic Forum on a brain economy transition strategy, side events at the UN General Assembly in June, and a focus on the global South at the G20 in South Africa in November. The ultimate goal is to announce a comprehensive brain economy transition strategy in Davos in 2026, focusing on reducing brain disorders, building brain resilience, and establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) for progress.
Recommendations:
Secure voter understanding and support for the critical ballot initiative in Texas regarding cognitive health and economic resilience, ensuring its passage.
Launch a "brain economy transition initiative" in Houston to future-proof industries and establish global leadership in brain capital.
Integrate brain health into the global economic agenda of major international forums (G7, G20, UN, World Economic Forum) to drive public-private investment and alignment.
Foster entrepreneurial and collaborative approaches among business leaders and advocates to champion brain health initiatives.
Bridge the gap between available brain health resources and their utilization within businesses, potentially by facilitating resource sharing between companies.
Actively support the Dementia Prevention Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) campaign to ensure its statewide passage and establishment as an agency by 2026.
Emphasize the economic benefits of brain health, including commercialization and job creation, to gain broader support.
Continue fostering a collaborative environment, as exemplified by "UsAgainstAlzheimer's" and the "Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative," recognizing that no single entity can achieve these goals alone.
Frame brain health positively as a theme for empowerment and resilience, rather than solely focusing on disorder reduction
Next Steps:
Engage in virtual roundtables starting next week, organized by Canada's brain research strategy organization, to gather diverse perspectives for the G7 efforts.
Participate in the live G7 event in Calgary, Canada, in June, convening various sectors to discuss brain health.
Monitor discussions at the World Economic Forum regarding the outline of a brain economy transition strategy.
Attend side events at the UN General Assembly in June, including an event inside the UN building, to elevate brain health as a global issue.
Focus on the global South's brain health needs at the G20 in South Africa in November.
Reconvene at the Brain House in Davos in 2026 to announce a comprehensive brain economy transition strategy, developed with support from McKinsey Health Institute.
Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure progress against the brain economy transition plan and ensure accountability across sectors.
