2025 was a big year for the brain.
Before we step into a new year, we wanted to look back on some highlights for the most important instrument you have: your mind. We break down a year-in-brain-health: from both a global lens and from our own research.
Here’s what shaped the brain-health world in 2025
For the first time, The World Economic Forum named brain health and the brain economy as top global priorities for discussion.
Dementia rates have reached an all-time high and are continuing to surge, ironically because we’re living longer.
Interest in brain supplements, brain diets, and brain-computer interfaces spiked dramatically.
We asked 700+ people about their brains. Here’s what we learned.
COGNITION IS IMPORTANT, YET MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW WHAT IT IS.
Let’s test your knowledge on cognitive health. At what age do you think cognition starts to decline? (Most people got it wrong.)
The real answer? Our 30s and 40s.
COGNITIVE STATES CHANGE FREQUENTLY.
Mental clarity shifts. Attention fluctuates. Productivity rises and falls.
Our bodies let us move. Our minds let us do everything else.
COGNITION POWERS US TO WORK.
Our respondents are grinders. 61% work more than 40–50 hours a week and consider that a fair work-life balance.
Reality check: Nearly 80% say they are sometimes or often burnt out, showing a range of signs and symptoms -
WHAT PEOPLE ARE MOST WORRIED ABOUT
82% of people are concerned about their cognition.
SO WHAT ARE PEOPLE DOING ABOUT IT?
To manage low mental clarity and high cognitive load, people often lean on exercise, social connection, hobbies, and yes - supplements. Over 70% of people take cognitive-related supplements, most commonly creatine, magnesium, and Omega-3s.
These are good starts. But here’s the deeper question:
How do we know what actually helps our cognition if we don’t measure it?
WHERE SOMA FITS IN.
We’re building toward a future where your cognitive performance is not a mystery, but something you can see, understand, and improve. 2026 is the year we turn brain health from something abstract into a tangible movement. More clarity. More insight. More tools to help your mind do what it does best.
Contribute to the conversation
Through Clarity, by Soma, we hope to answer your most pressing questions about the brain and cognitive health. Submit your questions here.
Invite your family, friends, and frenemies to join the movement.
Join our Beta
We’ve officially kicked off beta testing and will be onboarding early users on a rolling basis. For priority access, please fill out this survey and we’ll reach out to you in the coming months. If you’ve already filled it out, we’ll be in touch soon.
Join the team behind the movement
Come build with us, say [email protected].