Brain Disorders
Innovative Solutions for Brain Health
Innovative solutions are needed to promote lifelong brain health and address the rising burden of brain-related diseases. As populations age, conditions like dementia, stroke, and depression are becoming more common, but many are preventable or manageable with the right strategies. SPARC believes progress comes from investing in approaches that preserve cognitive well-being, advance prevention and precision, and harness cross-disciplinary innovation and emerging technologies.
We take a multidimensional approach, working across research, strategy, and system design to support efforts that improve brain health throughout the lifespan. Our work spans key challenges: mapping the neurotechnology landscape to guide investment, supporting global prevention strategies, and advancing AI and data science to accelerate precision medicine for neurodegenerative disease. These efforts reflect SPARC’s commitment to shaping a future where brain health is protected, supported, and prioritized.
Our Work
Neuroarchitecture
People spend most of their lives indoors, making the design of our surroundings crucial to physical and mental well-being. In partnership with the Pedersen Foundation, SPARC is exploring how philanthropy can advance neuroarchitecture to create healthier, more supportive environments.
Advancing Brain Health Through Brain Care
In 2024, the Global Brain Care Coalition ​engaged SPARC to provide strategic and operational guidance to help advance the coalition’s ambitious vision of reducing the incidence of dementia, stroke, and late-life depression through prevention.Â
AI in Neurodegenerative Disease
In 2024, SPARC developed Artificial Intelligence, Precision Medicine, and Neurodegenerative Disease: A Giving Smarter Guide, which identifies six high-priority opportunities spanning four broad areas where philanthropy can leverage AI to drive progress in neurodegenerative disease.
Neurotechnology: A Giving Smarter Guide
In 2020, SPARC released Neurotechnology: A Giving Smarter Guide, which provides a landscape overview of applications, barriers, and opportunities in the field of neurotechnology, helping guide philanthropy’s pivotal role in actualizing the potential of this emerging field.
Frontotemporal Dementia: A Giving Smarter Guide
In 2022, SPARC assessed the funding landscape and the current state of FTD research. The resulting Giving Smarter Guide reflects these findings and outlines opportunities for other strategic investments in this space.
A Global Imperative to Improve Brain Health
As global rates of dementia, stroke, and late-life depression rise, brain health is emerging as a critical public health priority. In partnership with the Global Brain Care Coalition, SPARC outlines strategies to strengthen prevention, equity, and care systems worldwide to ensure brain health for all.
