At the European level, clearly issue an intensified joint effort by organizations such as the European Brain Council, the European Academy of Neurology, the European Psychiatric Association, EFNA, among others, to develop and adopt policy recommendations by the European Parliament and the European Commission for a comprehensive European plan for brain health, research and innovation.
If not now then when? Should Poland, like other European countries, develop and implement a comprehensive brain health strategy?
Published Dec. 9, 2024 07:53
A common approach to all brain disorders is needed. In the past, research and practice in brain disorders was scattered across disciplines (neurology, psychiatry). Today, there is greater awareness of the common challenges and opportunities to treat brain disorders through a more integrated approach. Neurological and psychiatric brain disorders are the leading cause of disability and the second most common cause of death worldwide. The cost of brain disorders in Europe is nearly €800 billion a year - more than all other major non-communicable diseases combined. In addition, an estimated one in six people in EU countries (17.3 percent) had mental health problems in 2016, representing a total of nearly 84 million people in Europe, and depressive disorders are projected to become the leading cause of burden (DALY's) by 2030.
There is an urgent need to recognize the high burden of brain disease and its socioeconomic impact at the EU level and in member states such as Poland. There is a need to dramatically improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care for people with brain disorders, ultimately promoting a healthier and more innovative Europe - while popularizing the concepts of brain health, brain capital, and a brain capital economy.
As a member of the European Brain Council, the Mental Power Foundation, in collaboration with the Institute for Healthcare Management, conducted a webinar "Rethinking the Polish Brain Plan - International experiences of European Brain Council members". The event brought together European leaders and experts to exchange experiences, discuss best practices and, together with representatives of the Polish Neurological Society and the Polish Psychiatric Society, reflect on the future of brain health strategy in Poland. The webinar was attended by Prof. Mika Martikainen, Chairman of the Finnish Brain Council, Prof. Henrik Peersen, Secretary General of the Norwegian Brain Council, Silija Nicoline Angellsen, representing the Norwegian Ministry of Health, and Hugo Hermantin, representing the European Brain Council. Polish experts were represented by Prof. Alina Kulakowska, president of the Polish Neurological Society, Prof. Agata Szulc, president elect of the Polish Psychiatric Society, Dr. Malgorzata Galazka-Sobotka, director of the Institute of Healthcare Management at Lazarski University, Izabella Dessoulavy-Gladysz, president of the Mental Power Foundation, prof. Halina Sienkiewicz-Jarosz, chairwoman of the National Council of Neurology, and Prof. Jaroslaw Slawek, head of the Neurology and Stroke Unit at St. Adalbert's Hospital in Gdansk, co-author of the 2019 Brain Plan for Poland.
