Brain Performance Institute

During its public grand opening on Thursday, Oct. 19, the Brain Performance Institute will offer free programs and events throughout the day, and a ticketed lecture in the evening. (Photo by Albert Vacerka, Esto Photographics)

The Center for BrainHealth at The University of Texas at Dallas will unveil the new home of its Brain Performance Institute during grand opening events beginning this week.

The 62,000-square-foot building and program center, located at Mockingbird Lane and Harry Hines Boulevard in Dallas, is the first of its kind. It will offer scientifically based programs to increase brain performance and health, and to regenerate brain cells.

Surrounded by some of the world’s top brain researchers and clinicians, Dr. Sandra Bond ChapmanCenter for BrainHealth founder and chief director, will lead a “Reimagined Ribbon-Cutting” at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 12.

Dr. Leanne Young PhD16

Leanne Young PhD’16

Invited guests include former first lady Laura Bush, former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, UT Dallas President Richard C. Benson, Georgeann McRaven, wife of UT System Chancellor William H. McRaven, and veteran and former Dallas Cowboys player Chad Hennings. They each will talk about the importance of bringing brain performance to the forefront.

The reimagined ribbon-cutting — a simulated, lighted brain synapse — will signify the official opening of the building and the launch of the Brain Performance Movement.

Leanne Young PhD’16, executive director of the Brain Performance Institute, said the new building is home to programs that help people at all stages of life and those affected by various conditions.

“This isn’t just about preventing dementia, although it’s important to so many. It’s about improving brain performance and health in everyone right now,” Young said. “The institute will help young people focus in school, retrain the minds of those affected by military experiences or sports injuries, strengthen mental acuity among corporate leadership and empower each and every one of us to take charge of our own brains so that we can have healthier, stronger, more energetic brains today and in the future.”

During its public grand opening on Thursday, Oct. 19, the institute will offer free programs and events throughout the day, and a ticketed lecture in the evening.

Guests will be able to attend brain-centric classes, lectures and exhibits that provide practical tips and insights for enhancing brain performance.

From 1 to 5 p.m., Gene Christiano, executive chef for UT Dallas’ Dining Services, will offer demonstrations for eating a brain-healthy diet. Twenty-minute mindful meditation sessions will be held throughout the day, and Dan Tinker with Posit Science will lead BrainHQ exercises that improve memory and focus from 1 to 5 p.m.

The reception and lecture from 6:15 to 8 p.m. will feature TED-style talks from Dr. Geoffrey Ling, internationally recognized neurologist, scientist and humanitarian, and Bonnie Pitman, Edith O’Donnell Institute of Art History distinguished scholar in residence. Tickets to attend the evening event are $40 each and can be purchased online.