Abstract
Democracies are increasingly under siege. Beyond direct external (e.g., warfare) and internal (e.g.,
populism, extremism) threats to democratic nations, multiple democracy-weakening factors are
converging in our modern world. Brain health challenges, including mental, neurologic, and
substance use disorders, social determinants of health, long COVID, undesired effects of
technology, mis- and disinformation, and educational, health, and gender disparities, are
associated with substantial economic and sociopolitical impediments. Herein, we argue that
thriving democracies can distinguish themselves through provision of environments that enable
each citizen to achieve their full brain health potential conducive to both personal and societal
well-being. Gearing policymaking towards equitable and quality brain health may prove essential
to combat brain challenges, promote societal cohesion, and boost economic productivity. We
outline emerging policy innovations directed at building “pro-democratic brain health” across
individual, communal, national, and international levels. While extensive research is warranted to
further validate these approaches, brain health-directed policymaking harbors potential as a novel
concept for democracy strengthening.