On 22 July, we celebrate World Brain Day! Founded by the World Federation of Neurology in 2014, the main objective of World Brain Day is to increase public awareness and advocate for brain health and research. By fostering collaboration and spreading knowledge, World Brain Day plays a crucial role in reducing the stigmas associated with brain disorders, and enhancing the quality of life for those affected.

Each year, World Brain Day focuses on a specific theme, addressing various aspects of brain health. The theme for this year’s campaign is Brain Health and Prevention.

World Brain Day 2024

World Brain Day 2024 centers around the crucial theme of Brain Health and Prevention. Led by the World Federation of Neurology, the initiative emphasizes the importance of maintaining brain health, and taking preventative measures. 

Neurological conditions significantly impact global health, and are major contributors to disability-adjusted life years. These conditions include stroke, migraine, Alzheimer’s, meningitis, and epilepsy. However, on the bright side, a large proportion of these cases are preventable! According to the World Federation of Neurology, 90% of strokes, 40% of dementia cases, and 30% of epilepsies are preventable, with effective preventive measures available for conditions like migraine, headache disorders, and neurological infections.

How to Take Action

Together, we can join forces to promote Brain Health and Prevention, and secure a healthier future for generations to come. Here are just a few examples of how you can take action this World Brain Day:

  • Get involved on social media! The World Federation of Neurology has provided many resources, such as sample social media posts and graphics, to make it easy for anyone to join the movement and start spreading the word about World Brain Day!
  • Host a presentation at your school! In addition to sample social media posts and graphics, the World Federation of Neurology has also provided brochures and PowerPoint presentations to help their members conduct presentations and seminars about World Brain Day!
  • Learn with IEEE! The IEEE Brain Technical Community unites engineering and computing expertise across IEEE, with the goal of advancing research and our understanding of the brain, in order to treat diseases and improve human life. Be sure to visit their website to learn more!