Brain health optimisation

As people live longer, the incidence of disease relating to brain health and memory loss is increasing. In recent years, European Spa has seen an increase in the number of health-led spas and medical wellness properties offering preventative brain health programming.

Alzheimer’s Disease International said that in 2020 there were over 55 million people globally living with dementia. This number is expected to almost double every 20 years, reaching 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050.

Spa properties are responding: the Cognitive Boost programme from SHA Wellness Clinic combines science with advanced technology to assess and develop guests’ mental capacity. Meanwhile, Clinique La Prairie’s Brain Potential Programme integrates science-based assessments and therapies across four pillars – medical genetics, nutrition, wellbeing and movement – aiming to slow cognitive decline and enhance brain performance.

“Memory illness and mental health issues are rising and there’s an increasing amount of evidence demonstrating that we can influence our brain health through our lifestyle.”

Dr Hanna Poikonen of ETH Zürich has worked with Six Senses Ibiza and Joali Being in the Maldives on WiseMotion retreats that combine movement, martial arts and mindfulness to boost brain health.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR SPAS…

As well as curating programmes that relax and rejuvenate, spas should offer science-backed wellness solutions that deliver holistic wellbeing experiences to help guests take control of their own personal health outcomes.