Brain health is the state of brain functioning across cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioural and motor domains, allowing a person to realize their full potential over the life course, irrespective of the presence or absence of disorders.
Different determinants related to physical health, healthy environments, safety and security, life-long learning and social connection as well as access to quality services influence the way our brains develop, adapt and respond to stress and adversity. These give way to strategies for promotion and prevention across the life course.
Different determinants related to physical health, healthy environments, safety and security, life-long learning and social connection as well as access to quality services influence the way our brains develop, adapt and respond to stress and adversity. These give way to strategies for promotion and prevention across the life course.
According to WHO, the global burden of neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions is high, with approximately 70% of the burden in low- and middle-income countries. Neurological conditions are the leading cause of disability adjusted life years (DALYs) and account for about 9 million deaths per year.
In May 2022, WHO Member States adopted the Intersectoral global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders 2022–2031. This action plan aims to improve care, recovery, well-being and participation of people living with neurological disorders across the life-course, while reducing associated mortality, morbidity and disability associated with neurological conditions.
In the context of Universal Health Coverage and the UN Sustainable Development Goals and in line with WHO’s existing mandates for conditions affecting the brain such as autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy and dementia, WHO’s brain health work is focused on promoting optimal brain development, cognitive health and well-being across the life course.
In the context of Universal Health Coverage and the UN Sustainable Development Goals and in line with WHO’s existing mandates for conditions affecting the brain such as autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy and dementia, WHO’s brain health work is focused on promoting optimal brain development, cognitive health and well-being across the life course.