2024 World Brain Day: Brain Health for All Ages
By Tissa Wijeratne MD, PhD & David Dodick MD
Co-Chairs, World Brain Day 2024
Wolfgang Grisold MD
President, World Federation of Neurology
Celebrating the 12th World Brain Day
Welcome to the 12th World Brain Day—an annual event uniting the global community to protect and promote healthy brains. This year, with the historic cooperation of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC)and our ongoing participation with the World Health Organization (WHO), we continue to spotlight “Brain Health for All Ages.”
The World Federation of Neurology (WFN) is proud to bring together its six regional organizations—representing Africa, the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Pan America , Asia Oceania and the Pan Arabic region—to advocate for brain health from pre-pregnancy through older adulthood.
What Is Brain Health?
Brain health means keeping our minds sharp, resilient, and active. It influences how we think, learn, remember, and manage stress. A healthy brain is essential for well-being, strong relationships, and independence at every stage of life.
Supporting All Ages
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Pre-Pregnancy
Parents’ health and habits before conception shape a baby’s future brain development. Good nutrition, regular check-ups, and balanced lifestyle choices lay a strong foundation. -
Pregnancy
A mother’s physical and emotional well-being is vital for healthy brain growth in the womb. Prenatal care, proper nutrition, and stress management help protect both mother and child. -
Childhood
Early years are key for learning, emotional growth, and social development. Safe environments, immunizations, and positive parenting form a solid base for lifelong brain health. -
Adulthood
A balanced lifestyle—healthy eating, exercise, and stress control—keeps the brain alert and reduces the risk of many neurological conditions. -
Older Adults
Regular check-ups, early detection of conditions like dementia, and staying socially engaged help preserve independence and quality of life in later years.
Why Focus on Brain Health Across All Ages?
By prioritising brain health from before birth through old age, we can prevent or delay many neurological issues. The WHO highlights two key approaches:
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Primary Prevention
Stopping problems before they begin. This includes good nutrition, immunizations, reducing risk factors (like smoking), and delivering clear health education at every life stage. -
Secondary Prevention
Early detection and prompt treatment. Regular screenings, check-ups, and timely medical care catch issues in their earliest stages, improving outcomes and lowering the risk of long-term harm.
But prevention is only part of the story. Awareness, education, access, and advocacy also play critical roles. Together, these efforts empower individuals and communities to adopt brain-friendly habits and policies.
Join Us
World Brain Day 2025 brings together healthcare professionals, families, caregivers, policymakers, and patients from all six WFN regions under the important partnership of UN ECOSOC and in participation with the WHO. Our shared goal is to champion “Brain Health for All Ages.”
Be part of this global movement. Spread the word, encourage healthy practices, and advocate for the resources needed to protect and nurture brain health—starting before birth and continuing throughout life. We look forward to your support and collaboration on this much-anticipated World Brain Day.
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