Exploring Neurological Health For World Brain Day

Medically reviewed by Julie Dodson, MA, LCSW
Updated October 10, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

The brain may be the most complex organ in the human body, and its functioning can be one of the most critical factors in our behavior and well-being. Research has begun to shed light on how the nervous system operates, but many mysteries remain. World Brain Day on July 22 is primarily dedicated to promoting a better universal understanding of neuroscience and brain health. In support of this global day of awareness, this article will discuss some of the most pressing issues in brain science and care, as well as ways you can contribute to the cause.

Research into the brain can be said to have advanced tremendously since the early days of the scientific revolution. Investigators have begun to uncover the causes of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy, as well as some ways that neurological health disorders can be prevented. You can support further advances by spreading awareness or offering assistance to the many organizations dedicated to promoting brain health research and treatment. Taking care of your mental health with therapy can also be an effective way to promote brain health.

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The history of neuroscience and World Brain Day

Many of the cultures that have come before us did not recognize the vital role the brain usually plays in shaping and directing human behavior. For example, the early civilization of Mesopotamia viewed the heart as the organ responsible for thought and emotion. However, Mesopotamians seemed to be aware that damage to specific areas of the brain could cause problems with speech, sensation, and movement, showing that some knowledge of brain disorders may stretch back over 6,000 years into the past.

Physicians and philosophers continued to theorize about the functions of the brain through the many civilizations that emerged after ancient Mesopotamia. Awareness of its crucial role in functions like thought, memory, and decision-making began to develop in the 5th century BCE with the work of thinkers like Alcmaeon of Croton.

In the 19th century, scientists started to systematically map different behaviors and capabilities to different areas of the brain while investigating the function of the nerve cells and spinal cord. In time, this led to the emergence of neuroscience as a distinct discipline, bringing together knowledge from diverse fields like chemistry, physics, anatomy, cellular biology, embryology, genetics, and psychology.

Today, neurological researchers continue to work toward a more complete and detailed understanding of the nervous system. This search is frequently aided by modern technologies like advanced neuroimaging techniques that track brain activity in real-time.

The World Federation of Neurology and World Brain Day

As the discipline grew, neuroscientists around the world began to look for opportunities to collaborate and discuss  notes. They also worked to raise awareness of the need for a better understanding of neurological diseases and brain disabilities, believing that improvements in neurology could lead to significant improvements in human well-being. 

To further these efforts, the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) was formed on July 22, 1957, at an international conference in Brussels. This group generally works to coordinate and fund research into the brain and nervous system, organizing events like the World Congress of Neurology to bring together experts from around the globe for collaborative discussions.

Beginning in 2014, the World Federation of Neurology began to recognize the anniversary of its founding with a global awareness-raising campaign known as World Brain Day. Each year typically focuses on a specific issue related to neurological health, research, and treatment. In 2023, for example, the day was dedicated to brain health and disability, calling attention to the many functional impairments that can result from neurological illness or injury.

World Brain Day 2024

For 2024, the focus of World Brain Day is “Brain Health and Prevention.” Many types of neurological impairments can be prevented or reduced in severity through appropriate health care and lifestyle changes. Examples include the following:

  • Strokes – An interruption of the blood flow to part of the brain, known as a stroke, tends to be one of the most common types of brain injury. The risk of a stroke can be substantially reduced by exercising, avoiding cigarettes, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing blood pressure.

  • Dementia – Many of the same factors that safeguard against strokes can also decrease the odds of age-related cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, research suggests that habits like ongoing education and mentally stimulating hobbies can build up a “cognitive reserve” that may slow the onset and progress of dementia.

  • Epilepsy – The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that roughly 25% of epilepsy cases worldwide may be preventable with better perinatal care, effective parasite control programs, and defense against head injuries. 

  • Multiple sclerosis – While this neurodegenerative disease may not be completely preventable, avoiding risk factors like obesity, Vitamin D deficiency, and cigarette smoking may have a significant defensive effect. 

These are just a few examples. Researchers are continuing to explore new defensive strategies for a wide variety of brain-related conditions. Widespread adoption of these methods could theoretically lead to a sizable reduction in the many disabilities and deaths to which neurological diseases contribute worldwide.

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How to contribute to global brain health awareness for World Brain Day

Even if you’re not a healthcare provider or neurological researcher, you may be able to join in the effort to improve global brain health. Here are a few suggestions for ways you can contribute:

Spread the word about brain disease research and prevention

Several highly effective ways to safeguard neurological health require no special training or resources and can be done by almost anyone. For example, getting regular physical exercise, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy sleep schedule can reduce your risk for a wide range of neurological disorders. 

Spreading relevant information through social media could encourage others to make lifestyle changes to improve their cognitive well-being. You may raise awareness of the connections between bodily health and brain health by spreading links to news articles, research papers, or health organizations. 

You could also distribute information about breakthroughs in neurology research or the prevalence of neurological disability worldwide. In addition to getting the word out online, you can discuss the latest developments in brain science with family, friends, coworkers, and other people you encounter in everyday life.

Advocate for research funding and healthcare access

Calling for public policy measures to support better neurological health might be another impactful way to help with World Brain Day. Many legislative issues may have important implications for preventing brain-related diseases, such as the following:

  • Funding neurological research

  • Implementing safety measures to reduce the risk of concussions

  • Enabling universal access to crucial neurological care

  • Improving accommodations and care for people impacted by neurological disabilities

  • Building better sanitation and disease control measures to prevent neurological infections

  • Increasing access to higher education to train the next generation of neurological healthcare professionals

If you’re not aware of specific initiatives that could use your support, you may want to check out organizations like the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) or the American Brain Coalition (ABC), which offer information on up-to-date policy concerns related to brain health and research. After educating yourself on the relevant issues, you can write or call your senators, Congressional representatives, and state and local policymakers and encourage them to take action.

Get screened for disorders (and encourage others to do the same)

Identifying brain health conditions like dementia early on can be an important factor in getting effective treatment and achieving better long-term outcomes. Having your cognitive abilities assessed by a licensed healthcare professional could increase your chances of spotting these diseases while there’s still time to reduce their impact on your mental aptitude and quality of life. This could be especially vital for older adults or people who have experienced traumatic brain injuries. 

In addition to tests of your mental responses, you might also be able to benefit from genetic screenings, blood tests, and other proactive detection measures. For example, researchers have recently discovered a test that may be able to identify Parkinson’s disease before significant neurological damage has been done.

Along with getting yourself tested, you can encourage your loved ones to do the same. If you know someone who’s at a higher risk for brain conditions due to their age, past injuries, or family history of brain diseases, you might want to consider suggesting that they talk to a doctor about getting screened.

Donate to support brain health research and care

If you’re passionate about advancing the science of neurology, World Brain Day could be an ideal time to make a financial contribution to organizations that focus on brain research or offer support to those impacted by brain health conditions. Some possible options include:

Getty/Tom Werner
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Seeking care for your mental health

As mental health tends to be closely related to neurological health, addressing any mental health challenges you may be experiencing can be an excellent way to care for your brain. You might seek out professional support in your local area or connect with a therapist virtually.

Online therapy platforms can make it simple to match with a licensed mental health professional who has experience helping others with similar concerns. You can typically choose between video conference, phone call, and online chat for each session, which can empower you to customize the therapy process to your comfort level.

Research suggests that both in-person and online therapy tend to produce the same outcomes for clients, and both options can effectively treat a variety of mental health conditions.

Takeaway

Brain diseases and injuries often contribute to disability and death around the globe. In many cases, their impacts can be lessened or prevented through lifestyle changes, preliminary screenings, and expert care. Contributing to initiatives like World Brain Day may ensure that people at risk for neurological impairments get the help they deserve to live longer, happier lives. If you or a loved one is experiencing the mental health impacts of a brain disease or injury, consider connecting with a licensed therapist online or in person.
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