Expert comment by Vessi, HS 27 April 2026
https://www.hs.fi/kulttuuri/art-2000011872950.html
In the United States, one in two people has dementia by the age of 85, and we are at a nearly similar level.
The condition of the brain determines the quality of life as a senior, and it does not remain good with average lifestyle habits, which include a large number of serious risk factors for brain health such as a lack of brain nutrients and fiber, obesity, physical inactivity, lack of mental stimulation, loneliness, poor hearing and poor sleep habits, harmful substances, inflammation in the body, a decline in crafts and music hobbies, etc.
The deterioration of brain health is visible in an individual’s behavior as a gradual decline in cognition, i.e. intelligence, already decades before actual dementia. For many, this process begins years before retirement age.
Because there are so many such people, it is natural that employers often avoid hiring seniors if they do not know what the person’s brain performance—or actual work ability—is at that time, regardless of a potentially strong career in earlier decades.
In our society, too little is said (and taught) about maintaining brain health, and the given guidelines are often too lenient. This is part of a state-level public health policy that is passive in terms of prevention.
In the United States, Dr. Daniel Amen has gained recognition in the field of brain health development through his research and clinics. According to him, anyone of any age can improve brain function with good brain-supporting lifestyle habits, if they are practiced systematically and in multiple ways.
His statements can be viewed on YouTube or read in his books. I myself, at the age of 75 and still as a serial entrepreneur, have described this issue and developed a related improvement protocol in the manner of Amen.
Biohackers (health optimizers) operating in Finland also have good educational materials on brain health.
