𝐌𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝 **#13** - 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 & 𝐂𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡: "𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑤𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑡ℎ 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 20𝑡ℎ 𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑦, 𝑤𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑡ℎ 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 21𝑠𝑡 𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑦." - Futurist Jim Carroll

(Futurist Jim Carroll is writing a series on 30 Megatrends, which he first outlined in his book Dancing in the Rain: How Bold Leaders Grow Stronger in Stormy Times. The trends were shared in the book as a way of demonstrating that, despite any period of economic volatility, there is always long-term opportunity to be found. The book is now in print - learn more at dancing.jimcarroll.com)

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Brain health and performance optimization are emerging as the next frontier, similar to how cardiac care transformed in the previous century. Let us call it the ‘cognitive economy,’ one that involves tools, treatments, and technologies for brain enhancement. It is just beginning.

This revolution is giving rise to a new, multi-trillion-dollar "cognitive economy"—an ecosystem of science, technology, and services dedicated to understanding, preserving, and enhancing the human brain.

The fact is, we are witnessing a demographic tsunami with a profound demographic shift underway, creating an unprecedented challenge and opportunity for global health. How big a challenge?

The global population aged 60 and over will double from 1.1 billion today to 2.1 billion by 2050.

The number of persons aged 80 or older will triple between 2020 and 2050.

By 2050, two-thirds of the world's population over 60 will live in low- and middle-income countries.

What does this lead to? Massive challenge - neurological conditions are now the leading cause of ill health and disability globally, affecting an astonishing 3.4 billion people, or 43% of the world's population.

The thing is, the speed with which this challenge is going to accelerate is staggering:

2021: 57 million people living with dementia worldwide.

2030: Projected to reach 78 million cases globally.

2050: Expected to reach 139 million cases, with 71% of the burden in LMICs.

The financial impact of dementia is immense and projected to grow exponentially. If global dementia care were a country, its economy would rank as the 14th largest in the world, larger than the market values of companies like Apple and Google.

With these harsh realities, it's long been a goal of many in healthcare to "do for brain science this century what we did for heart health in the last century." 

**#Brain** **#Neurotechnology** **#Cognitive** **#Health** **#Enhancement** **#Interfaces** **#Neurostimulation** **#Aging** **#Innovation** **#Future**

Original post: https://jimcarroll.com/2025/07/decoding-tomorrow-30-megatrends-13-brain-and-cognitive-health-what-we-did-for-heart-health-in-the-20th-century-we-will-be-doing-for-brain-health-in-the-21st/

“Yesterday’s logic won’t spark tomorrow’s ideas!" - Futurist Jim Carroll

Let's talk about why many innovation efforts fail.
It's often because people keep on doing the same old thing, following the same old ideas, chasing the same old goal that is now irrelevant, fighting among themselves in the same old way over the same old arguments, following the same old pattern of inaction.

Sounds about right.

I was reading a publication the other day while doing some research on another topic and came across this article, which got me thinking about this issue, which led to today's quote.

I quickly learned that the reason for this state of affairs in many organizations is due to what psychologists call "cognitive rigidity.' Let's dig in.

What is it?

Like a stubborn door that refuses to open, our minds can sometimes become locked in patterns that restrict our ability to see new possibilities and adapt to life’s ever-changing circumstances. This mental inflexibility, known as cognitive rigidity, can significantly impact our thinking and behavior, often without us even realizing it.
Cognitive Rigidity: Understanding Its Impact on Thinking and Behavior
NeuroLaunch,, January 14, 2025

So why should we care?

But why should we care about cognitive rigidity? Well, in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world, the ability to adapt and think flexibly is more crucial than ever. Whether it’s navigating personal relationships, tackling workplace challenges, or simply trying to keep up with the latest technological advancements, a rigid mindset can leave us feeling left behind and ill-equipped to handle life’s curveballs.
Cognitive Rigidity: Understanding Its Impact on Thinking and Behavior
NeuroLaunch,, January 14, 2025

What's the innovation angle?

Let’s start by demystifying this psychological concept. In formal terms, cognitive rigidity refers to a tendency to persist in a particular thought pattern or behavior, even when it’s no longer adaptive or beneficial. It’s like being stuck in a mental rut, unable to shift gears or consider alternative perspectives.
Cognitive Rigidity: Understanding Its Impact on Thinking and Behavior
NeuroLaunch,, January 14, 2025

The article goes on to identify common traits with the mindset.

Difficulty in shifting attention or focus
Resistance to change or new ideas
Inflexible problem-solving approaches
Black-and-white thinking patterns
Struggle with ambiguity or uncertainty

Sounds like my "innovation killers" list which I so often share!
I

#Innovation #Flexibility #Mindset #Change #Adaptation #Creativity #Cognitive #Disruption #Thinking #Growth

Original post: https://jimcarroll.com/2025/05/decoding-tomorrow-your-daily-future-inspiration-yesterdays-logic-wont-spark-tomorrows-ideas/