LONDON,
May 7,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The World Federation of
Neurology (WFN) is pleased to announce Brain Health and Prevention
as the theme for the 2024 World Brain Day (WBD 2024), taking place
on Monday, July 22. The goal is to
raise critical awareness to prevent brain disease in all corners of
the globe.
"When we discuss brain health and prevention,
we're safeguarding our blueprint for the future. It's not merely
about reacting; it's about actively cultivating a culture of
prevention for neurological diseases," said Prof. Wolfgang Grisold, President of WFN. "Our
dedication to preventing neurological disorders is the cornerstone
of our resilience for tomorrow."
While there are no definitive cures for many
neurological disorders, understanding and addressing risk factors
can significantly alleviate this burden. A 2021 Global Burden of
Disease Study revealed that over 3.40 billion individuals suffered
declines in nervous system health, resulting in 11.1 million deaths
attributed to related conditions.
The study's findings encompass a range of
neurological conditions, including stroke, Alzheimer's disease,
other dementias, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease,
encephalitis, meningitis, and idiopathic intellectual
disability.
The study found that interventions such as
reducing lead exposures, smoking cessation and managing glucose
levels, could all yield substantial results in reducing the disease
burden, in addition to lifestyle modifications like sleep, stress,
diet and exercise.
This underscores significant public health
ramifications and the urgent need for awareness around preventive
measures, making WBD 2024 an essential global health initiative
based on five key points.
- Neurological disorders are preventable through early detection
and effective management.
- Global education on prevention for brain health is
imperative.
- Socioeconomic status or geographic location should not be
barriers to prevention.
- Healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers play
pivotal roles in addressing the global neurological needs.
- Recognizing brain health as a fundamental human right is at the
core of our mission.
"This World Brain Day is a chance for us to unite
and advocate for our present and future," says Prof. Tissa Wijeratne, World Brain Day Co-Chair.
"Through advocacy and policy changes, our collective voices will
spark a worldwide movement for better preventive healthcare and
pave the way for a brighter, healthier tomorrow."
The WFN is honored to be joined in this
initiative by representatives of the World Health Organization
(WHO) Brain Health Unit as Guests of Honor for WBD 2024. WHO's
presence underscores the importance of the Intersectoral Global
Action Plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders (IGAP),
and its implementation worldwide.
"As we approach World Brain Day 2024, let's come
together to support brain health and prevention. Beyond just words,
it's about taking meaningful action," says David Dodick, MD, Emeritus Professor of
Neurology at Mayo Clinic and World Brain Day Co-Chair. "Together,
we're shaping a future where prevention isn't just a concept but a
way of life, ensuring that the generations to come inherit a world
that prioritizes neurological disorders."
The WBD 2024 committee is formed by
representatives from each of the WFN Regional Neurological
Associations:
- American Academy of Neurology (AAN)
- African Academy of Neurology (AFAN)
- Asian and Oceanian Association of Neurology (AOAN)
- European Academy of Neurology (EAN)
- Pan-American Federation of Neurological Societies (PAFNS)
- Pan Arab Union of Neurological Societies (PAUNS)
Established by the WFN in 2014, World Brain Day
continues to serve as a catalyst for public awareness on various
neurological health topics each year. Mark your calendars for July
22—a day dedicated to celebrating brain health and promoting
prevention. Visit wfneurology.org/world-brain-day-2024 for more
information on how to join WBD. Individuals, societies and
countries are encouraged to host their own activities and amplify
their voices on social media using hashtags such as #WorldBrainDay,
#WBD2024, and #BrainHealthandPrevention.
About the World Federation of
Neurology
With support from its 124 national neurological
Member Societies, the World Federation of Neurology fosters quality
neurology and brain health worldwide by promoting neurological
education and training, with an emphasis on under-resourced areas
of the world. As a non-state actor in official relations, WFN
supports the World Health Organization (WHO) efforts to give
everyone an equal chance to live a healthy life. With Member
Societies around the globe, WFN unites the world's neurologists to
ensure quality neurology and advocate for people to have better
brain health. Learn more about the World Federation of Neurology at
wfneurology.org.
Media Contact:
Ryan Pollock, Yakkety Yak
ryan@yakketyyak.com
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SOURCE World Federation of Neurology