Advancing brain health in Europe: Looking ahead with key priorities and initiatives

January 10, 2025

Learning from everyone — Image: © Planet Flem | iStock

The European Brain Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting brain research and improving the lives of the estimated 179 million Europeans living with brain conditions. Here, they discuss efforts aimed at enhancing care and raising awareness about brain health in Europe

The brain is the most complex organ of the human body. Understanding how it works, how diseases progress, and finding effective treatments are among humanity’s greatest challenges. Comprising more than 600 disorders, neurological and mental conditions impact the lives of millions of Europeans and over one billion people worldwide, accounting for over 18% of total health loss. Collectively, brain disorders represent the primary cause of disability and second leading cause of mortality worldwide. This substantial burden is projected to grow as the population ages, highlighting an increasingly pressing concern.

Global priorities and European initiatives

Despite this staggering burden, the latest United Nations Report on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), released in 2023, does not register any progress in tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including brain disorders. Faced with this urgent need for action, the World Health Organization (WHO) has adopted multiple plans for brain conditions, including Global Action Plans on mental health, epilepsy and other neurological disorders and dementia. These plans require Member States to commit to addressing the burden of brain disorders in a cohesive manner, notably by establishing national brain strategies by 2030-2031.

This momentum has been echoed at EU level, with the brain community calling for increased attention to the brain through increased prioritization at the political level, particularly for brain research and overall brain health. It is now imperative that the European Union develops a comprehensive and overarching coordination plan for the brain, supports the development of national brain strategies and ensures that these efforts can trickle down at national level.

Furthermore, the upcoming European Partnership for Brain Health, with work to shape it currently underway within the EU-funded Coordination & Support Action (CSA) BrainHealth, aims to holistically approach the biomedical, economic, and societal challenges in the field of brain health in Europe and worldwide. This partnership emphasizes a need to strengthen the alignment and synergies across European and global brain research initiatives. In the current context of increased focus on competitiveness and innovation, overarching plans for the brain at the EU level would allow for streamlining of resources, avoiding duplication of efforts while maximising policy impacts for the millions of Europeans living with a brain condition, but also their families, carers, and society at large. A holistic approach is essential for ensuring that all aspects of brain health are considered and integrated into national and European strategies.

Brain health and brain capital are the future

Addressing the brain is not just tackling a burden. In fact, prioritizing the brain health of citizens is one approach to addressing the growing burden posed by brain disorders. Brain ill-health poses a massive toll on our society, health systems, labour markets and economies. By shifting attention to brain health and promoting brain-healthy societies, we create the opportunity to address the challenge from an early stage through a life-course lens. This shift, or the concept of ‘Brain Capital’, is gaining traction within discussions about economic growth and societal wellbeing. It acknowledges that brain health is essential for enhancing productivity and prosperity within societies, and by prioritizing investments in brain health, governments must foster a more resilient, fulfilled and productive population capable of meeting future challenges.

This broader understanding of the crucial role played by the brain as the powerhouse of our societies has recently been acknowledged by the Government of Cameroon, which is currently chairing the United Nations General Assembly through its Yaoundé Declaration, calling for ‘Brain Health in All Policies’. Fostering partnerships across borders can leverage diverse expertise and experiences to create more effective solutions for brain health.

Brain health in all policies

In conclusion, the momentum around brain health building towards 2025 presents a unique opportunity for Europe to take a leading role in addressing the burden of brain disorders, strengthening the understanding and treatment of brain conditions and promoting the inclusion of brain health in all policies, beyond health and research alone. By developing a comprehensive coordination plan for brain health at the EU level and supporting national strategies, the European Union must ensure that these efforts have a tangible impact on the millions of Europeans living with brain conditions and their families and communities. Ultimately, advancing brain health is not just about alleviating suffering but also empowering individuals and societies to thrive in health and fulfilment.

The global burden of dementia

Dementia encompasses a variety of brain disorders that affect memory, thinking, behavior, and emotions. It is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and significantly contributes to disability and dependency among older adults. (1)

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 55 million people globally are living with dementia, with over 60% residing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Nearly ten million new cases are diagnosed each year, and it is estimated that by 2050, 139 million people will be affected by the condition. (1) The socioeconomic burden of dementia is substantial, with the total global cost estimated at $1.3 trillion. If dementia were considered a country, it would rank as the 17th largest economy in the world. (2)

Dementia research

While support can greatly assist individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, there is currently no cure. Research indicates that individuals with cardiovascular diseases are at a higher risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers from the University of Hong Kong recently found that statins, a type of medication used to lower cholesterol levels and protect against strokes and heart attacks, could reduce the risk of dementia, particularly in those with heart failure. Their analysis revealed that statin use is associated with a 20% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who do not use statins. (3)

Another area of research focuses on blood biomarkers that could expedite dementia diagnosis. UK researchers are investigating tests that can detect two proteins, amyloid and tau, in the blood. These proteins accumulate in the brain in cases of Alzheimer’s disease. Detecting them in the blood could indicate their presence in the brain, potentially allowing individuals referred to clinics for diagnosis within the National Health Service (NHS) to access a simple, non-invasive, cost-effective blood test. Dementia diagnosis can be timely, but if implemented, these rapid tests could enable patients to receive results within weeks. (4)