Brain health can be defined as the state of functioning of the brain in the spheres of learning, sensory, socio-emotional, behavioral and motor, allowing a person to realize their full potential throughout life, regardless of the presence of disorders.
A number of factors affect brain health, and the ongoing interactions between these determinants, in addition to an individual’s context, lead to lifelong adaptation of brain structure and functioning.
The World Health Organization (WHO) released, on Tuesday (9), an unprecedented document on the importance of optimizing brain health for the well-being of individuals.
According to the WHO, brain health is an evolving concept, attracting increasing attention not only from the healthcare industry, but also from society at large. The brain and central nervous system are the command center of the human body, controlling the body’s conscious and unconscious functions and thus influencing all aspects of life.
When the organ is challenged by disease or other factors, it poses significant risks not only to a person’s overall health and well-being, but also to overall development and productivity.
It is estimated that 1 in 3 people will develop a neurological disorder at some point in their lives, making these diseases the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death.
In addition, 43% of children under five in low- and middle-income countries are believed to lose their development potential due to extreme poverty and stunting, leading to financial losses and 26% lower projected annual earnings at age. adult.
determinants
In the WHO document, information is presented on the following groups of determinants: physical health, healthy environments, safety and security, learning and social connection, and
access to quality services.
The WHO argues that optimizing brain health by addressing these determinants leads to several benefits, including lower rates of chronic health conditions. Improvements include reduced neurological, mental, physical and substance use impacts, as well as improved quality of life and multiple social and economic benefits.
The article demonstrates the relevance of optimizing brain health within the broader context of public health and society and offers practical policy solutions and future directions for the field, including specific actions to address the determinants of brain health, ongoing priorities in research. about brain health.
The document is a technical complement to the recently adopted Global Intersectoral Action Plan (2022–2030) on epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
recommendations
The WHO advocates that efforts to optimize brain health must be made for all, respecting the principles of inclusion and empowerment.
“Importantly, the needs of individuals may vary at different times in their lives, depending on their personal and medical circumstances and the social and cultural contexts in which they live. Brain health can be affected by many types of adversity, and the determinants of brain health are often intertwined.
Structural inequalities associated with systemic causes of discrimination, oppression and marginalization are sources of adversity at the macro level.
“Facing adversity is essential to promote equity in health, which is achieved when everyone can reach their full potential for health and well-being. In addition, efforts to optimize brain health must combat the stigma, prejudice and discrimination faced specifically by people with life experience and their caregivers,” the report states.
According to the WHO, strategies to optimize brain health require a multisectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration that involves all sectors of human society with integrated and person-centered approaches focused on promotion, prevention, timely diagnosis, treatment and care, as well as involvement. asset of people with lived experience.
Search
Significant progress has been made to improve understanding of the human brain and its pivotal role in regulating conscious and unconscious bodily functions.
We also have a more complete understanding of the impact of different determinants on brain health, the pathophysiological mechanisms of certain brain diseases, and new treatment options.
However, much remains to be discovered according to the WHO. The document recommends investing in basic research, intervention studies, implementation research (including
assessment of health systems), in addition to epidemiological and cost research of neurological diseases.
Recommendations include improvements in understanding neurophysiology related to brain development and health, including understanding the structure, function and development of neurological diseases. In addition to investigating new strategies to promote brain health and improve brain resilience mechanisms.
WHO suggests investing in improvements to the monitoring of interventions and the application of evidence-based strategies in clinical practice. In addition to the search for representative data on brain development, developmental disabilities and neurological disorders by countries.
Source: CNN Brasil
