Enhancement of holistic brain health and human intelligence: 'Supermentia'.

Résumé

Herein, we explore how to reduce the burden of dementia, promote optimal brain function throughout the life course (eumentia), and foster superlative human intelligence (supermentia). Human intelligence and physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being interact symbiotically and are all influenced by the same genetic, socio-economic, and environmental factors. Spirituality has been mapped to certain brain regions and is associated with prevention and better outcomes of dementia and other neurological diseases. Holistic brain health influences lifestyle, which determines physical health. Conversely, cardiometabolic factors, including hypertension, affect brain health and predispose to dementia. Similarly, mental health is influenced by brain function. Furthermore, brain function and mental health determine social health, while collective human behaviour influences planetary health. Holistic brain health can be enhanced not only by preventing or controlling dementia, but also by promoting eumentia (optimal thinking), and fostering supermentia. To achieve this, we need to define human intelligence and its various facets; develop a tool to assess those at the upper echelon of human intelligence, regardless of origin or socio-economic status, wisdom, and creativity; unravel the determinants of superlative human intelligence; and explore the modification of these factors towards discoveries and innovations that would make the current and future generations achieve a longer and better quality of life in all ramifications. About 2 % (160 million) worldwide have above-average intelligence and could help improve the world through collaboration across sectors and advances in neurogenomics, neuro-technology, human-computer interfaces, mixed reality, and spiritual psychology.