Emma Heming Willis on Brain Fog & Women’s Brain Health
Emma Heming Willis, co‑founder and chief impact officer of Make Time Wellness, has been open about how her own experience with brain fog inspired her to advocate for women’s brain health. A few years ago, she began experiencing persistent cognitive symptoms — forgetfulness, lack of focus, and confusion — which she initially dismissed as stress, poor sleep, or “mom brain.” When she told her doctor, she was told she was fine, which left her feeling unheard TODAY+1.
After seeking a brain health specialist, she learned that her symptoms were real and that the brain is an organ that can be cared for intentionally. This experience led her to co‑found Make Time Wellness, a company focused on empowering women to take proactive steps to protect their brain health TODAY.
Why Brain Fog Matters
Willis emphasizes that brain fog is not normal and can be an early sign of cognitive decline. She cites alarming statistics:
One in five women will develop Alzheimer’s, compared to one in 10 men TODAY+1.
Two‑thirds of all Alzheimer’s patients are women Dr. Will Cole.
Alzheimer’s can be present in the brain for 10–20 years before diagnosis Dr. Will Cole.
She warns that symptoms like forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and sudden memory lapses are “check engine lights” for the brain, not just stress Dr. Will Cole.
Practical Brain Health Strategies
Through “Make Time Wellness” and public talks, Willis and co‑founder Helen Christoni share actionable, science‑based steps women can take today:
Physical activity: Just 3,000 steps a day can reduce Alzheimer’s risk by 25% Dr. Will Cole+1.
Sleep hygiene: Sleep is the most underrated brain health tool Dr. Will Cole.
Nutrition: The Mediterranean diet supports brain function podcasthealth.com.
Breathwork and stress management: To protect against cognitive burnout podcasthealth.com.
Medical check‑ups: Early detection and intervention are key.
Personal Impact
Willis’ own journey from being dismissed by her doctor to becoming a leading voice in brain health has shaped her mission. She stresses that self‑care is essential for caregivers, especially those supporting loved ones with dementia, like her husband Bruce Willis, who has frontotemporal dementia with primary progressive aphasia TODAY.
In short, Willis’ story is both a cautionary tale and a call to action: Don’t ignore brain fog — take charge of your brain health now.
