Inside the Minds of Leaders: Dr. Amen’s Case for Brain Scans

Should leaders get their brains scanned before running for president or rising to power? Dr. Daniel Amen thinks yes, and he’s making a bold case for analyzing the brains of global leaders like Biden, Trump, Elon Musk, or prominent Brazilian figures. According to him, brain scans can reveal deep insights about mental wellness that go beyond what we usually see in public behaviour.

Dr. Amen has written more than 30 books on brain health and mental wellness. He argues that many mental illnesses are not just “in the mind,” but rooted in the physical structure and function of the brain. Over his career, his clinics have collected over 160,000 SPECT scans from people in more than 120 countries.

After scanning thousands of brains, including those of killers, artists, and public figures, Dr. Amen claims that understanding the shape and activity patterns of the brain is key to promoting positive behaviour and mental resilience. His work suggests that by “training” the brain through focused self-talk, reducing negative influences, and reinforcing positive mental habits, people can rewire how their brain functions for better emotional outcomes.

So how does he suggest we do it? Dr. Amen advises avoiding constant exposure to negative news, and instead talking to ourselves with clarity and detail: telling our brain exactly what we want in business, life, and personal goals. He believes that by doing this, we help our brain understand our priorities. The brain, in turn, will help us achieve them.

While Dr. Amen’s work is widely popular and influential, it is also controversial in the scientific community. Some neuroscientists argue that SPECT scans, the imaging method Amen uses, are not fully validated as a diagnostic tool for psychiatric conditions. Critics caution that conclusions drawn from brain scans alone can oversimplify complex mental health issues, and that behaviour, environment, and social factors play an equally critical role.

Despite these debates, Dr. Amen’s work has undoubtedly raised public awareness about the importance of brain health, and his practical advice on positive mental habits such as mindful self-talk and reducing exposure to negativity is broadly accepted as beneficial.

The Takeaway
Whether or not world leaders should scan their brains is still up for debate, but Dr. Amen’s research reminds us of one critical point: our brain is central to our thoughts, decisions, and overall well-being. Fostering positive brain health, through lifestyle choices, self-reflection, and mental training, is something everyone , leaders and citizens included, can benefit from.