The Vibrant Mind: Diet, Lifestyle and the New Science of Brain Health

How can food, sleep, and social connection impact the trajectory of our brain health? What if the key to preventing Alzheimer’s and improving mental well-being lies not just in medicine, but in what we eat and how we live each day? 

In the latest episode of Powering Human Care, Sodexo Healthcare’s Chief Customer Officer David Gillan sits down with brain health advocate and entrepreneur Sarah Hoit for a powerful and hopeful conversation about the science of epigenetics, lifestyle-driven health outcomes, and the growing movement to change how we think about longevity and quality of life. 

Hoit, Co-Founder and Chairman of Social Impact Partners, has made it her mission to advance global brain health and neuroprotection through innovation, collaboration, and meaningful social action. Together with Sodexo, she co-authored the recently released white paper, “The Vibrant Mind: A Guide to Neuroprotective Nutrition”, which synthesizes research from top scientists and institutions to offer new insights — and practical strategies — for preserving and enhancing cognitive health. 

During the episode, Hoit emphasizes that brain health is everyone’s issue. “Every one of us is touched by this,” she says, noting that neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and the broader mental health crisis are the greatest health challenges of our time — and ones we can no longer afford to ignore. The solution, she argues, isn’t just about new drugs or treatments. It’s about prevention. It’s about epigenetics, the science of how our behaviors — what we eat, how we sleep, our social habits — can shape 80% of our health outcomes, regardless of genetic predisposition. 

That means the choices we make every day matter more than ever. It means what we put on our plates — fresh vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains — can be as powerful as any prescription. And it means that food can indeed be medicine, especially when informed by rigorous science and made accessible to all. 

One of the most exciting takeaways? The unexpected emergence of a brand-new neuroprotective diet, grounded in the latest evidence and designed to support cognitive function across the lifespan. While the white paper initially set out to summarize existing research, the Sodexo and Social Impact Partners team discovered an opportunity to create something even more impactful — a diet that addresses critical gaps and puts brain-friendly nutrition into real-world practice. 

Throughout the conversation, Hoit also shares her belief in the power of collective action. Through her organization’s Innovation Olympics, student teams from around the world are already generating bold, scalable ideas to advance brain health. And companies like Sodexo are stepping up — using their global reach and expertise to be part of the solution.