The “Art” of brain health and aging

The “Art” of brain health and aging

The Brain Project Co-ChairsJessica Mulroney speaks enthusiastically about the steps that she and her husband, “etalk” host Ben Mulroney, are taking these days to eat healthy and incorporate physical activity into their lives.

“Ben decided to go on this big kind of fitness craze for his year leading up to 40. He wanted to change his lifestyle, eat better, treat his body differently, have a strong focus towards health in general,” she says. Jessica, who already had a propensity to eat healthy, jumped on the fitness bandwagon too.

Their approach to life fits nicely with research that suggests exercise and well-being can contribute to brain health.

As co-chairs of The Brain Project, along with Erica and Noah Godfrey, they are steering an exciting new initiative to spark discussions about brain health and promote artistic expression, while raising $1.5 million for research and care at Baycrest.

Ben says the co-chairs are looking forward to engaging with sports stars, musicians, designers and people from all walks of life who will take part.

But Jessica, a fashion stylist/designer and mother of three young children, turns serious as she explains her primary reason for getting involved.

Her paternal grandmother — a woman who was full of life and energy — had early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Jessica’s grandfather cared for his wife for about 20 years before she passed away. Then he too was affected.

“He was somebody that I remember being so sharp, quick, kind and generous, and such an incredible person. To watch [his] deterioration was very difficult, not just for me but in particular for my father, who admired him so much.”

Brain health is a cause that has followed Ben throughout his career – first while fundraising for someone who suffered a traumatic brain injury and couldn’t work, and also because his employer, Bell, is a strong supporter of mental health initiatives across Canada. He says he’s “proud and pleased” to help launch The Brain Project.

The public art installation is the brainchild of the Godfreys. Three of Noah’s grandparents lived at Baycrest, and Erica is on the board of the Baycrest Foundation.

During a visit to Chicago, the couple noticed the prominence of colourful outdoor works of art.

Erica, a graphic artist, thought that brain sculptures would add interest to the Toronto streetscape and prompt more people to realize that brain health research at Baycrest is helping her generation as well as older adults.

“I had a small idea but it’s turned into a much bigger, exciting opportunity. And I love that people are so excited about it,” she says.

Noah says artists receive basic parameters related to scope and size, not unlike Faberge’s charitable Big Egg Hunt in New York City or Hearts in San Francisco.

“It really gives them the opportunity to express themselves and show their talents, vision and creativity,” he says.

Erica adds: “What I love is that art doesn’t have to exist only in galleries. It’s so wonderful to bring amazing world-renowned artists to Toronto, and beautify our city while raising awareness for brain health.”