What is Brain Health and Why It Matters

Welcome to the first episode of The Brain Health Mission Podcast with host Jana Midelfart-Hoff, consultant and professor in neurology from Bergen, Norway. In this episode, Jana is joined by two of Europe’s leading neurologists and brain scientists, Professor Paul Boon and Professor Barbara Casolla. Together, they explore what brain health really means, why it matters not only for individuals but also for society, and how you can protect and improve it.

We discuss: • The definition of brain health beyond mental health • The importance of the brain and how it influences our daily lives • Common threats to brain health such as stress, sleep deprivation, and diet • How brain health changes with age and what you can do to maintain it • Fun facts about the brain that might surprise you • Practical, science-backed habits to boost your brain health, including sleep, nutrition, mental activity, exercise, and social connections

Tune in for expert insights, practical advice, and engaging conversation about your most vital organ.

In this debut episode, Jana Midelfart-Hoff welcomes Professors Paul Boon and Barbara Casolla to unpack the concept of brain health. They clarify the difference between brain and mental health, identify key risks to brain function, and highlight how brain health affects our quality of life and society at large. The episode also shares surprising brain facts and offers accessible tips listeners can use to support their brain health every day. It closes with a reminder that brain health is a public health priority and an invitation to subscribe and stay tuned for more.