The Brain Project: The "Art" of brain
health and aging
J
essica 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
(l-r) Erica Godfrey, Jessica Mulroney,
Noah Godfrey and Ben Mulroney
"It's so wonderful to...
beautify our city... while
raising awareness for
brain health"
8 BrainMatters WINTER 2015/16
