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Brain Health Mission

The Story so Far 2024

This is the story of the Brain Health Mission so far . . .

The Brain Health Mission is dedicated to addressing one of the most pressing healthcare challenges of our time. Brain disorders, including both mental and neurological conditions, impact millions worldwide, leading to significant disability, mortality, and economic strain. Despite their widespread impact, these conditions often remain overlooked, denying many the essential care they need.

With 1 in 3 people suffering from a neurological disorder and 1 in 4 facing a mental health issue, the need for action is urgent. Our aging population and increasing societal stressors only intensify this crisis, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive, evidence-based strategies to optimise brain health.

The Brain Health Mission is at the forefront of this effort, aiming to increase understanding of brain health among the public; support and disseminate public health strategies which can make a meaningful and long-term impact on brain health; and boost the workforces of healthcare professionals within neurology, as well as professionals dedicated to mental health, to ensure patients and those affected by brain disorders receive the care and support they need and deserve.

By actively sponsoring events, driving public awareness campaigns, and implementing organisational and educational initiatives within the professional neurology community, the Brain Health Mission, through the action of its strategic partners, aims to empower everyone with the knowledge and resources to maintain brain health throughout their lives, support healthcare professionals, and advocate for policies that prioritise brain health.

This brochure offers a glimpse into the work undertaken so far, featuring summaries, statistics, and photos that showcase our commitment to advancing brain health for all.

Join our mission to make brain health a global priority!

Prof. Paul Boon Co-chair of the Brain Health Mission Steering Committee

EAN Past President

Aims & Goals

The Brain Health Mission (BHM) is a collaborative initiative initiated by the European Academy of Neurology alongside 26 strategic partners, aiming to enhance public understanding of brain health across all life stages.

The BHM encompasses preventive measures to decrease the incidence of neurological disorders , enabling individuals to function and cope with life situations.

Brain Health is a state in which every individual can realise their own abilities and optimise their cognitive, emotional, psychological and behavioural functioning to cope with life situations World Health Organization

Support and disseminate public health strategies which can make a meaningful and long-term impact on brain health.

Ensure that a basic understanding of how to optimise brain health is available to the public through all stages of their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

Boost the workforces of healthcare professionals within neurology , as well as professionals dedicated to mental health and other related disciplines, to ensure patients and those affected by brain disorders receive the care and support they need and deserve.

The Burden of Neurological Disorders

Neurological conditions are the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide (measured in disability-adjusted life years – DALYs). Since 1990, there has been an 18% rise in DALYs attributed to these conditions. 1

In 2021, an estimated 3.4 billion individuals (equivalent to 43.1% of the world population ) were suffering from a neurological condition. Equivalent to:

million deaths million years lived with disability ( YL Ds)

million years of life lost ( YL Ls)

million

disability-adjusted life-years ( DA LYs)

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN EUROPE PER YEAR

The 5 Brain Health Mission Pillars

These are the five primary processes with which the Brain Health Mission and its strategic and supporting partners drive the mission towards its objectives. Together, these five pillars support the overarching aims of the Brain Health Mission, as laid out on the previous page.

Creating a Global & International Brain Health Approach

Supporting International and National/Regional Policy Making

Fostering Research

The Brain Health Mission is always on the lookout for new partners to strengthen these pillars. If your organisation can provide expertise or other resources that could contribute to our mission, we would love to hear from you!

EAN Publications

The five pillars of the Brain Health Mission on the opposite page were originally published in The European Academy of Neurology Brain Health Strategy, one of several white papers produced by the EAN to align objectives and foster awareness within the neurology community and among other stakeholders in line with the aims and objectives of the Brain Health Mission.

Published The European Academy of Neurology Brain Health Strategy: One brain, one life, one approach.

Bassetti CLA, Endres M, Sander A, et al. Eur J Neurol. 2022;29(9):2559–2566.

doi: 10.1111/ene.15391

Brain health is essential for health, well-being, productivity and creativity across the entire life. Its definition goes beyond the absence of disease embracing all cognitive, emotional, behavioural and social functions which are necessary to cope with life situations.

A strategic neurological research agenda for Europe: Towards clinically relevant and patient-centred neurological research priorities. Boon P, Lescrauwaet E, Aleksovska K, et al. Eur J Neurol. 2024;31(3):e16171.

doi: 10.1111/ene.16171

Neurological disorders constitute a significant portion of the global disease burden, affecting > 30 % of the world’s population. This prevalence poses a substantial threat to global health in the foreseeable future. A lack of awareness regarding this high burden of neurological diseases has led to their underrecognition, underappreciation, and insufficient funding. Establishing a strategic and comprehensive research agenda for brain-related studies is a crucial step towards aligning research objectives among all pertinent stakeholders and fostering greater societal awareness.

In Progress

Cost Of Illness in Neurology in EUrope (COIN-EU)

Expected publication: late 2024

This study intends to evaluate the cost of illness of neurological disorders in order to assess their socio-economic burden. The research is methodologically based on a systematic review approach and a meta-analysis of the epidemiological and health economic literature.

A Roadmap Towards Promoting and Improving Brain Health in Europe and Closing the Awareness and Funding Gap

Expected publication: late 2024

Neurological diseases affect more than 43.1% of the population, imposing a significant burden on society. This paper presents a roadmap toward decreasing this burden and enhancing brain health in Europe.

The Brain Health Bubble

The EAN created the Brain Bubble infographic to show the three layers of brain health. The first version was first published in the EAN Brain Health Strategy.

Layer 1: PLAN

Goal: A society that is connected and approaches the health of its individuals holistically.

Listed here are external influences that seem beyond the scope for action by individuals. However, they influence everyone’s life and health. By taking informed decisions these can be changed by societies and governments, and individuals’ behavior can contribute to a change of culture and environment. Changing policies, governments, politicians and stakeholders can impact the future of health and wellbeing of societies.

Layer 2: PROTECT

Goal: A society in which supporting HCPs can support individuals and there is investment in measures that can reduce the burden of diseases.

Protection of brain health can be achieved by individuals together with their social surroundings. Individuals are only able to take care of their brain health in an environment in which they are supported. Such support can be provided by neurologists, psychiatrists, nurses, therapists, general practitioners, governments, and teachers, but also by parents and families. The better a society plans (see Layer 1), the better individuals can be supported.

Layer 3: PRESERVE

Goal: A society in which each individual has the knowledge and ability to take care of their brain health.

Listed here are measures that individuals can take on their own and that they can influence themselves. Of course, education on the impact of these measures is necessary, and a supportive environment and well-planned, safe surroundings will be necessary for individuals to be able to take these measures.

PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS AVOID ALCOHOL PROTECT HEAD AND SPINE

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

OBSERVE BODYWEIGHT VISION

HEALTHY DIET

PSYCHOLOGY

CONTROL BLOOD SUGAR

PROTECT HEARING

SLEEP QUALITY

RESPONSIBLE MEDIA CONSUMPTION

PREVENT INFECTIOUS DISEASES

TRAIN ADAPTIVE COPING

European Brain Health Summit

The European Academy of Neurology inaugurated the European Brain Health Summit in May 2022, with the aim of bringing together leaders in neurology, policymakers, and other key international voices to raise awareness of brain health and provide an opportunity for dialogue and collaboration between stakeholders.

Following the great success of the first summit, the EAN organised two further main summits in May 2023 and May 2024, with additional Brain Health Events in December 2022 and November 2023. The format of the summit has varied, with some events held behind closed doors and others welcoming a small audience of selected guests. Video recordings of all Brain Health Summits have been made available to online viewers, with most events also streamed live on the day, reaching an average of 1,400 unique viewers

Guests and speakers have included Tomislav Sokol, Member of European Parliament; Johan Van Overtveldt, Member of European Parliament; Vlastimil Válek, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Health of the Czech Republic, and Her Majesty the Queen of the Belgians , as well as countless experts from neurological organisations, patient advocacy groups, and other healthcare related stakeholders.

Watch the recordings!

Brain Health Summit 2022

Inaugural European Brain Health Summit – Brain Health Summit –ean.org

Autumn Brain Health Event 2022

The Future of Brain Health Brain Health Event at the European Parliament – ean.org

Brain Health Summit 2023

Precision Neurology and Prevention of Neurological Diseases – Brain Health Summit 2023, Vienna – ean.org

Autumn Brain Health Event 2023

Brain Disorders: The Neglected Burden in Non Communicable Diseases – Brain Health Event November 2023 – ean.org

Brain Health Summit 2024

From managing neurological disorders to promoting Brain Health in Europe –Brain Health Summit 2024 – ean.org

European Brain Health Summit – 7 May 2024

The most recent Brain Health Summit centered on a holistic approach to brain health, addressing critical aspects such as neurological disorder management, preventive strategies, and public awareness. With a programme covering the burden of neurological diseases in Europe, the necessity for increased research, and the intersection of mental health with brain health, the summit fostered comprehensive discussions. Keynote speaker Johan Van Overtveldt, a prominent Member of the European Parliament and former finance minister of Belgium , highlighted significant policy considerations. Her Majesty the Queen

of the Belgians’ presence underscored the event’s importance, which facilitated collaboration among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and academics to enhance brain health outcomes.

The event featured engaging sessions including a Presidential Panel Discussion on global neurology and brain health, and a Brain Health Policy Panel. The summit reached a diverse audience, with 115 in-person attendees and 480 unique online viewers , plus an additional 163 unique viewers of the recording. The opening session, along with discussions on the economic costs of neurological disorders and the impact of climate change on brain health, were particularly impactful.

European Health Forum Gastein

An exciting addition to our brain health events calendar for 2024 is the recently initiated European Health Forum Gastein, a brand new hybrid conference, co funded by the European Union, which is planned to become an annual fixture.

Hosted in the beautiful Gastein valley, Austria, the 2024 edition took place on 25–27 September under the title ‘Shifting sands of health: Democracy, demographics, digitalisation’.

Watch the recording here

Future Events

G7 Health Ministers Meeting

Side Event

Ancona, Italy, 8 October 2024

More information

Brain Health Summit 2025 Brussels, Belgium, March 2025

Details to be announced on EAN.org

School Challenge Vienna Snooker Championship

Brain Health School Challenge

What is the Brain Health School Challenge?

To catalyse the wave of brain health advocacy and cultivate healthy habits among children and young people, the Brain Health Mission launched the Brain Health School Challenge – an innovative initiative springing from our dedication to nurturing thriving minds.

How does the Brain Health School Challenge promote brain health?

The Brain Health School Challenge is an exciting venture that empowers young minds to shape the future of brain and mental health. Participants, divided into three age categories, are tasked with coming up with ideas, strategies, or campaigns to inspire their peers to prioritise brain health. They are guided to express their unique vision through mediums like posters, short videos, songs, texts, comics, or dances, advocating not only creativity but also the vital message of fostering a brain healthy lifestyle.

Empowering youth in championing brain health today ensures a future generation equipped with resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to nurturing their brains in a way that is just as much a part of their daily lives as brushing their teeth. The presentation ceremonies for the winners were attended by 150 children. By influencing them, the Brain Health Mission’s message can reach their friends, parents, grandparents, and beyond.

The Brain Health School Challenge will be extended to more countries in 2025.

Austrian Brain Health School Challenge

• Submissions included videos, posters, podcasts, advent calendar, and an art book

• Winning classes received class money as a prize to put towards brain rewarding class activities or needs

• Award ceremony took place Tuesday, 12 March 2024 at the Hofburg in Vienna, Austria

• Preparing to launch next School Challenge in early 2025

Check out the winning entries in the Austrian School Challenge: School Challenge Gallery – ean.org

Finnish Brain Health School Challenge

• Finnish Brain Health School Challenge was launched in January 2024 at the Educa fair – Finland’s leading event for the education and training sector

• Submissions included videos, animations, posters, shirts

• Award ceremony took place Tuesday, 14 May 2024 at Helsinki City Hall

Check out the winning entries in the Finnish Brain Health School Challenge: School Challenge Winners – Finland – ean.org

Vienna Snooker Championship

Snooker is an excellent brain boosting activity that requires exceptional coordination between the mind and body, demanding a high level of focus and concentration.

The Brain Health Mission was delighted to be the main sponsor of the Vienna Snooker Open championship in May 202 4, which brought together players from all around the globe.

Check out the the Vienna Snooker Open championship

Finland School Challenge

Women’s Run Helsinki

Brain Health Mission at the Naisten Kymppi Women’s 10k Run

As physical activity is an essential part of maintaining brain health, the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) and the Finnish Neurological Society got involved in the annual Naisten Kymppi (Women’s 10) Run by setting up a Brain Health Mission stand during the event.

EAN and the Finnish Neurological Society both participated in the run

A BHM stand provided information and facts on brain health Participants could also test their knowledge on brain health

Naisten Kymppi is the biggest women’s wellbeing and running event in Finland, with participants encouraged to run or walk the route at their own pace and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. Every year it brings together women and girls of all ages to enjoy a fun active day together, including a great programme of additional activities and music performances. The 2024 Naisten Kymppi represented the event’s 40th anniversary.

Helsinki Public Awareness Campaign

The Brain Health Mission launched a public awareness campaign in Helsinki, Finland, in June/July 2024 to coincide with the 10th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology, which took place in the city from 29 June to 2 July.

Helsinki named the European Capital of Brain Health 2024

366 screens

digital screens and billboards around the city promoting brain health and the Brain Health Mission

The campaign ran from: 24 June to 7 July 2024

155 screens

26 screens

Brain Health Mission at EAN Congress

Naturally, the topic of brain health featured heavily at the 10 th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology in Helsinki, with a strong presence within the congress programme, as well as a stand in the exhibition hall, and a special opportunity to indulge in some brain boosting yoga right there in the congress venue.

Brain Health & Sustainability Booth

At the Brain Health and Sustainability Booth, participants had the opportunity to learn all about the Brain Health Mission and enter a daily prize draw by promoting brain health on social media. They could also print photos of themselves with the Brain Health Mission branding.

The EAN Congress 2025 was the perfect platform to promote the Brain Health Mission while also boosting the brain health of participants!

Onsite Yoga Breaks

Congress participants had the opportunity to walk in, give their brain and body a break from sitting and standing, and enjoy three group sessions with a certified yoga instructor, supporting overall wellness and brain health.

Brain Health Sessions

Brain health was addressed from a variety of angles in numerous sessions on the congress programme, many of which were broadcast on EAN TV, available to viewers without congress registration.

EBC: Towards a European Brain Health plan

EFNA: Brain Health and Big Data for neurology

EBC: Towards the European Partnership on Brain Health

Unique tools for Brain Health and disease from Finland

EFNA: Brain Health and Big Data for rare neurology

EAN/ESRS: Lights off, brain still on: Sleep as a pillar of brain health

Social Media Campaigns

Accounts

Like any initiative that aims to reach as wide an audience as possible, the Brain Health Mission has of course set up a social media presence. The Brain Health Mission Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts were launched in April 2024 and serve as the primary social media sources for Brain Health Mission related content. As these relatively new accounts continue to accrue followers, they currently rely heavily on interaction with the accounts of strategic partners to amplify their messages. These partners have also boosted those messages via their own channels on additional platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn.

Campaigns

Two major campaigns have been organised in conjunction with partners, marking Brain Awareness Week in March 2024 and World Brain Day in July 2024.

Participating partners have included the European Academy of Neurology, the European Federation of Neurorehabilitation Societies, the European Psychiatric Association, the International League against Epilepsy – Europe, the American Academy of Neurology, the International Myositis Society, and the European Federation of Autonomic Societies.

Engagement in these campaigns has been exceptionally high, with average rates observed on the Brain Health Mission and EAN accounts reaching up to 9 % on LinkedIn and as high as 13.8 % on X. Building on this success, the Brain Health Mission, alongside its partners, is committed to further promoting brain health through future campaigns.

Connect with the Brain Health Mission on Instagram and X now and help to build our community!

@brainhealthmission

@BrainHealth_org

Brain Health on the EAN podcast

00:00 24:35

eanCast: Weekly Neurology

The European Academy of Neurology’s podcast eanCast: Weekly Neurology has been offering education, research and updates as part of the society’s eLearning strategy since its launch June 2022. Aimed at neurology professionals at all levels of experience, it invites expert moderators and special guests to review, discuss, and debate various topics across the 29 EAN sub specialties, with new episodes released every Monday. A primary neurological topic is featured every month, but brain health has emerged as a regularly recurring theme, fitting into many of these topics.

Eight episodes of eanCast: Weekly Neurology have featured brain health so far:

Episode 10: Brain Health

Episode 38: EAN Strategic Research Agenda

Episode 39: EAN Strategic Research Agenda

Episode 56: How to increase the brain health span

Episode 65: Brain Health and Policy

Episode 67: EAN and WFN Brain Health

Initia tives

Episode 78: Advocating for Brain Health

Episode 99: Gastro and Brain Health

unique listeners

average of downloads per month since June 2022

Listen via the EAN eLearning platform eanCampus (login required) or on your preferred podcatcher!

EAN Advocacy Training for Neurology and Brain Health

“Amazing experience“

Under the umbrella of the Brain Health Mission, the EAN developed the EAN Advocacy Training for Neurology and Brain Health, an online advocacy training programme for neurology and brain health, offered free of charge to all EAN members and launched in January 2024.

The goal of the programme is to help neurologists develop communication tools and skills to advocate for and with their patients for brain health at local and national level and in coordination with different audiences, including politicians, patient organisations, lay people, and media.

Upon completion of the programme, participants will obtain the ‘Advocate for Neurology and Brain Health’ certification.

The programme is entirely online and consists of three modules, including the following content:

• Basics of advocacy: advocating for neurology and brain health to promote social, economic, educational, and political changes that ameliorate the suffering and threats to human health and wellbeing identified through professional work and expertise

• Importance of advocacy for neurology as a public health issue

• Defining brain health and developing strategies for its improvement at local and national levels: promotion, prevention

• Talking to different audiences: politicians, lay people, patient organisations, media

• Learning now to find information and how to distribute it to stakeholders

• Translating research into policy actions: knowledge translation strategies

First programme ran from January to June 2024, with 53 participants admitted from 123 applications. Feedback was extremely positive, with all those who took part rating the skills gained and the training environment either 4 or 5 on a fivepoint scale.

World Health Organization toolkit

The World Health Organization (WHO) featured the EAN Advocacy Training for Neurology and Brain Health in their Intersectoral global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders 2022–2031: implementation toolkit.

The WHO’s Implementation Toolkit aims to address the global challenge represented by neurological disorders by providing a practical framework for reducing the burden they create

“Very constructive session!”

“I was impressed the practical cises we conducted in groups, feedback received”

“I believe all the topics discussed in the training sessions contributed to the improvement of my understanding of the basic concepts of advocacy and opened a new perspective for me to link global health with the clinical field of neurology, which I am passionate about.”

countries participants applications impressed by practical exerconducted and the feedback we received”

and enhancing services for affected individuals.

It outlines key actions and offers tools and resources to help achieve the plan’s ten global targets. Intended for policy makers, programme managers, and service planners across multiple sectors – such as health, social services, education, and more – the toolkit is also a valuable resource for academics and the donor community. Importantly, it places people with neurological disorders, their families, and their representative organisations at the centre of the implementation process.

Webinar: WHO iGAP Implementation Toolkit Webinar on Vimeo

“The entire course was very important for me personally for how it has equipped me, and the responsibility I took on to bring the Brain Health Strategy to my community and my country. I am honoured the EAN gave me a chance to participate.”

The first EAN Advocacy Training for Neurology and Brain Health welcomed participants from 27 countries worldwide Armenia , Austria, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Croatia, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Kosovo, Lithuania, Moldova, Monte negro, Nepal, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Zambia

Download the Implementation toolkit: Intersectoral global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders 2022–2031: implementation toolkit (who.int)

Future EAN Initiatives Public Brain Health Day

One main aim of the Brain Health Mission is to ensure a basic understanding of how to optimise brain health is available to the public through all stages of their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

As part of this initiative, the EAN will hold a Public Brain Health Day at the Messukeskus, Helsinki on the Friday immediately before the EAN Congress 2025. This event is designed for patients, carers, healthcare professionals, congress participants, non profit organisations, parents, teachers, and any other individuals interested in brain health. The aim of the event will be to provide practical knowledge on neurological diseases and tools to foster brain health and improve quality of life across diverse communities.

The programme will feature a series of sessions dedicated to brain health and neurological diseases. Participants will gain insights into the latest research on how brain health influences neurological conditions and vice versa. Each session will focus on a specific neurological condition, covering aspects including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Practical workshops will follow each lecture.

Programme

Lecture

Headache and Mindfulness Class

Participants will deepen their knowledge of headaches and migraines, exploring their impacts on brain health. Practical techniques for enhancing mental clarity and reducing stress will be provided.

Cognitive Impairment/ Dementia and Music Session

This session focuses on cognitive impairment, highlighting its neurological impacts. The therapeutic benefits of music for brain health will be explored.

Movement Disorders and Dance Session

Attendees will gain insights into movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and their neurological consequences. The session will highlight the benefits of dance and physical movement for brain health and overall wellbeing.

The Public Brain Health Day will end with a networking reception, providing an opportunity for speakers, partners and participants to connect. The event will be livestreamed and available on demand with free registration for both onsite and virtual participants.

Lecture

Networking Reception

Brain Health Roadmap Paper

The European Academy of Neurology has drafted and submitted a white paper titled ‘A Roadmap Towards Promoting and Improving Brain Health in Europe and Closing the Awareness and Funding Gap’, setting out a path toward decreasing the burden of neurological diseases on society and enhancing brain health in Europe. Included in the paper is a set of calls to action towards better brain health, aimed at various stakeholder groups. The paper is expected to published in the European Journal of Neurology in late 2024.

Calls for

Calls for Action Towards

Action Towards Better Brain Health

Calls for Action Towards Better Brain Health

Better Brain

Calls for Action Towards Better Brain Health

Health Care Providers

Embrace the Brain Health Mission by incorporating a holistic approach into your practice!

Governments/Countries

Honour your commitments to international agreements!

Educators Policy Makers

Educators

Policy Makers

Educators Policy Makers

Serve as role models and raise awareness among students!

Industry/Companies

Invest in creating brain-healthy work environments! Treat brain capital with utmost importance!

Become champions for brain health: Understand its significance and advocate for it!

Become public health pioneers: support and implement policies that promote brain health!

Public

People of all ages, take proactive steps towards improving your brain health!

Become champions for brain health: Understand its significance and advocate for it!

Health Become champions for brain health: Understand its significance and advocate for it!

EAN Taskforces

Two European Academy of Neurology taskforces have been created or proposed that touch on topics related to brain health.

Task Force on Environmental Influences in Neurology

A groundbreaking initiative, which began in early 2024, dedicated to addressing the intersection of neurology and the environment by exploring its social, environmental, and economic dimensions.

Neurologists’ Wellbeing Task Force

This taskforce is the EAN’s most significant step towards addressing the conditions and factors that influence the health and wellbeing of the neurology workforce, focusing heavily on providing preventative methods to tackle problems such as burnout.

Who can join the Brain Health Mission? Everyone!

The Brain Health Mission is all about working together. Founded as a collaborative initiative currently comprising 26 strategic partners and one supporting partner, we are always eager to welcome new partners and contributors to join us in our mission.

The three categories of involvement in the Brain Health Mission are:

Strategic Partner

Non-commercial organisations representing medical and scientific fields are welcome to join the Brain Health Mission. This can include international or regional medical or scientific associations as well as universities, research institutes, foundations or charitable organisations. Strategic partners can propose ideas, activities, and may be represented in the governing bodies: the Steering Committee and Forum.

Supporting Partner

Companies are welcome to support the efforts of the Brain Health Mission by providing input, co-creating content and supporting through major annual funding to enable the BHM’s activities to take place. Supporting Partners may appoint a representative to the Forum.

DISSEMINATION & COMMUNICATION OF BHM MESSAGE SUGGEST PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES