There has been a tremendous amount of reported studies related to dietary and environmental influences on brain function. Yet these studies seem to have little impact on changing health-related behaviors. It is imperative for nurses to understand these findings as they relate to health promotion and disease prevention because the general public may not understand how foods can influence immediate alertness or long term brain function. Furthermore, the general public must understand the influence of substance abuse and other environmental exposures on long term brain function prior to experimenting with recreational drugs or experiencing other environmental exposures. Moreover, the public must realize the long term relationship between childhood abuse and brain function. This presentation will examine normal and pathophysiological concepts of brain function as a scientific basis for understanding current issues in neuroscience. This overview will include dietary and environmental influences on brain function including concepts of neuroprotection, brain development, the aging brain, gender differences, neurobiology of behavior, neuroendocrine function, physical and emotional trauma, substance abuse, exercise, and other life style choices related to optimal brain function and prevention of neurological decline. A goal of this presentation is to empower nurses to not only promote optimal recovery from neurological conditions, but also to promote optimal brain function for healthy individuals to prevent or minimize neurological decline in populations at risk based on current research findings.