Brain Health Mission

Why do we need it?
We're in the midst of a critical healthcare challenge: brain disorders, encompassing both mental and neurological conditions, are impacting millions globally. These disorders are not only disabling and costly but also frequently overlooked, hindering access to necessary care.

Widespread Impact: According to the WHO, 1 in 3 people suffer from a neurological disorder, and 1 in 4 face a mental health issue.

Significant Burden: Neurological conditions alone are leading causes of disability and the second largest contributors to mortality worldwide.

Exacerbating Factors: An aging population and increasing societal stressors are intensifying this crisis, posing a significant threat to public health.

Urgent Need for Action: Initiatives like WHO's iGAP underscore the necessity for comprehensive approaches to improve brain health, essential for advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The social, economic, and health ramifications of brain and mental disorders are immense, deeply affecting individuals, families, and communities. It's time to prioritize and address this urgent public health issue.

We aim to:

1. Ensure a basic understanding of how to optimise brain health is available to the public through all stages of their lives and the lives of their loved ones
2. Support & disseminate public health strategies which can make a meaningful and long-term impact on brain health
3. Boost the workforces of healthcare professionals within neurology, as well as professionals dedicated to mental health, to ensure patients and those affected by brain disorders receive the care and support they need and deserve.

To achieve this, effective prevention, early detection, and intervention strategies are equally important, as well as investments in research, innovative treatments, and integrated healthcare systems.

Our collaborative Brain Health Mission is rooted in evidence-based research that underscores the importance of a holistic approach to brain and mental health, and to the needs of people, patients, and their carers and families.

Our mission already promotes mental, physical, and social well-being as critical components of maintaining brain and mental health. As such we, as promotors of the Brain Health Mission, are committed to promoting healthy habits that support brain and mental health, including adequate sleep, regular exercise, nutritious eating, and social engagement, among many other aspects.

Events:

• Brain Health Event at the Parliament 2022
• European Brain Health Summit 2023(virtual) 
• Brain Health Session at the 9th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology
• Brain Health Summit 2022
• Brain Health Summit 2023
• Brain Health Summit 2023 - November
• Brain Health Summit 2024

Projects & Activities:

• eanCast podcasts on Brain Health
• Advocacy Training for Neurology and Brain Health
• Research projects on burden of neurological disorders
• Brain Health School Challenge
• Leadership Programme
• National Neurological Societies Forum

Awareness events & campaigns: 

• Strategic Neurological Research Agenda for Europe