A person with an amputated leg and phantom-limb pain experienced organized sensations in their phantom when a volunteer's foot was placed on or near it. Mirror-visual-feedback and phantom massage reduced the pain. Pairing psilocybin with mirror-visual-feedback produced synergistic effects, completely eliminating phantom-limb pain and reducing paroxysmal episodes. Touching the volunteer's leg where the person previously had external fixators evoked a sensation of nails boring through the leg; using a telescoping nail created an illusion of nail removal with corresponding pain relief. Artificial flames produced warmth in the phantom.
This opinion article argues that the concept of brain health should be expanded beyond the absence of disease to include optimal cognitive and emotional functioning across the lifespan. The authors propose a framework that integrates neuroscience, psychology, and public health to promote resilience and well-being. They suggest that lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, and social engagement, can enhance brain health and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative conditions. The piece calls for a shift in research and clinical practice toward proactive, preventive approaches that empower individuals to maintain brain health throughout life.