This July 22nd is World Brain Day, the annual campaign by the World Federation of Neurology to focus public attention on improving and maintaining the health of their brains.
This year’s theme is ‘Brain Health for All’ and aims to educate people on the many factors affecting brain health including age-related changes in the brain, injuries such as stroke or traumatic brain injury, mood disorders such as depression, substance use disorder or addiction, and diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.
Despite the brain being the most complex and valuable organ in the human body, it is reported that one-in-three people have a brain disorder – the leading cause of disability adjusted life and the second leading cause of death globally.
The council defines good brain health as ‘a state in which a person can realise their own abilities and optimize their cognitive, emotional, psychological, and behavioural functioning to cope with life situations’.
Neurological Council CEO, Etta Palumbo, hopes World Brain Day will help support GPs to raise awareness about the importance of brain health in reducing the burden of brain disorders on individuals and society.
“Brain health is something that should be considered throughout the life course; in utero, through to childhood, adulthood and into older age,” said Ms Palumbo.
“We’re asking GPs and other health professionals to remind patients about the importance of brain health this month, noting that many of the positive behaviours and habits also benefit heart, mental and general health.
“Concerningly, the WHO has noted that brain health is increasingly at risk from emerging health issues, such as post-COVID-19 Neurological Syndrome, with sufferers reporting a range of symptoms such as headaches, myalgia and weakness, anxiety, fatigue and neurocognitive difficulty.”
In the case of vulnerable groups, such as those with obesity or hypertension, and older Australians with already compromised vascular systems and hypersensitivities, it is reported that a post-COVID-19 hyperimmune response is now an expectation rather than the exception.
Also getting behind this year’s campaign is the team from Parkinson’s WA and CEO, Brenda Matthews, pointed out that the cause of many neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s, are still unknown, general improvements in lifestyle can be introduced to protect patients brains, both now and into the future.
“Our brain is a very vulnerable organ and exposure to pesticides, excessive alcohol and other such risky exposures or behaviours can have a negative effect, especially as we age”, Ms Matthews said.
“A healthy diet with regular physical exercise combined with regular brain exercises such as Wordle, Luminosity or Crosswords, is essential in preparing our brains for our older years or to maintain brain health even if we have already been given a diagnosis of a progressive neurological disorder such as Parkinson’s.”
Patients needing more information or support with neurological conditions or symptoms, especially while waiting for neurological appointments, can contact the Neurological Council on 1800 645 771 or visit https://www.ncwa.com.au/ for a referral form.
You can also show support or share useful information on social media using the hashtags #WorldBrainDay, #WBD2022 and #BrainHealthforAll.