Brain health is an evolving concept that is receiving increasing attention, not only from the health field, but from the wider society, stimulating a wealth of debate, and for good reason. The brain and central nervous system are the command centers of the human body, controlling both conscious and unconscious bodily functions, thereby affecting all aspects of life. Doing so poses significant risks not only to an individual’s overall health and well-being, but also to global development and productivity.
It is estimated that one in three people will develop neuropathy at some point in their lives, making neuropathy the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death. Furthermore, 43% of her children under the age of five in low- and middle-income countries are believed to have lost their developmental potential due to extreme poverty and stunting, leading to economic losses and Adulthood income is projected to drop by 26% for her.
A new WHO position paper, published on 9 August 2022, provides a framework for understanding brain health and the importance of optimizing brain health for all. Brain health can be defined as the state of the brain that functions in the cognitive, sensory, socio-emotional, behavioral and motor domains, with or without disability, to help people achieve their potential throughout their lives, with or without disability. allow you to maximize your potential. Many determinants are known to influence brain health, and ongoing interactions between these determinants and individual circumstances lead to lifelong adaptations of brain structure and function. . The position paper provides insight into the following clusters of determinants:
- physical health,
- healthy environment,
- safety and security,
- learning and social connection
- Access to quality services.
Optimizing brain health by addressing these determinants will reduce the incidence of many chronic health conditions (neurological, mental, substance use, physical) and improve quality of life. , leading to multiple benefits, including multiple social and economic benefits. – exist and contribute to the progress of society. This paper demonstrates the relevance of optimizing brain health within the broader context of public health and society, and provides specific actions to address the determinants of brain health, including: It provides practical policy solutions and future directions for this area, including ongoing priorities, operationalizing and measuring the brain. health.
