Representatives of International Organisations Call on European Countries to Develop a Strategy to Tackle Brain Health
WARSAW, Poland, November 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --
The European Brain Council has called on European countries to develop comprehensive "Brain Plan" strategies on the scientific research, prevention, early detection and effective treatment of brain diseases. This call to action took place at a meeting in Brussels that presented the pilot Polish Brain Plan, which is to serve as a model for other countries.
Brain diseases, including developmental disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and mental disorders affect every third person in Europe (165 million people). Their cost is EUR 800 billion a year (exceeding the combined cost of heart diseases, neoplasms and diabetes).
Meanwhile, as highlighted by WHO representative Roberto Bertollini, "Matters associated with the brain have not thus far been an important part of public-health programmes."
Izabela Czarnecka-Walicka, President of the NeuroPozytywni Foundation, underlined that in order to rise to the challenge, we need a comprehensive strategy that will include not only medical aspects, but also social and economic matters, as well as an increase in social awareness.
According to experts who attended the meeting, the development of a strategy involving "Brain Plans" must become a priority of health policy in European countries, as well as a core of the Europa 2020 EU strategy for growth and development. "A healthy brain translates into a better general state of health, which is a basis for increased productivity of personnel, which, in turn, conditions Europe's competitiveness," said Prof. Jerzy Buzek, Chair of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy in the European Parliament.
The meeting was organised by the NeuroPozytywni Foundation, the European Brain Council, the Polish Brain Council and the Polish Academy of Sciences.
For the full "call to action" please visit http://www.braincouncil.eu
Contact:
Iza Czarnecka-Walicka
e-mail: i.czarnecka@neuropozytywni.pl
tel. +48-22-12-158-93
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