Prof. Dr. M. Akif Topçuoğlu
President of Turkish Society of Neurology

July 22, 2023 has been designated as "World Brain Day" by the World Federation of Neurology. Today is an peerless opportunity to remind you of brain health and disability from brain diseases! Brain health is essential right now and for everyone. The Turkish Society of Neurology, the academic authority on brain health and diseases in the country, works at every opportunity to improve access to brain health and reduce equity gaps.

It should be known that for almost all brain diseases, there is much to be done in the context of prevention, early diagnosis, treatment or rehabilitation. Brain health is a human right for everyone and everywhere. The motto used by the World Federation of Neurology this year, "Join us on World Brain Day to make sure no one is left behind", highlights this fact.

it is not possible to talk about good general health and wellness without brain health. In 2023, the focus of World Brain Day has been determined by the World Federation of Neurology as "Brain Health and disability". It should be especially emphasized that brain health should be given priority in individuals with disabilities. Many neurological disorders profoundly affect an individual's quality of life through movement, cognitive function, and mood. If current rates continue, it is estimated that only 23% of the burden of neurological disorders will be avoided by 2040. Of course, this is insufficient and reminds us that more needs to be done. The number one cause of disability-adjusted life-year loss is neurological disorders such as stroke, migraine, dementia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy. People with disabilities may die up to 20 years earlier than people without disabilities. In addition, people with disabilities are twice as likely to develop additional conditions, such as depression, diabetes, obesity or stroke, that can further negatively impact their brain health. Therefore, the approach should be multifaceted and layered.

Various methods are available to combat neurological disability. In 2022, the World Federation of Neurology acted with the theme of "Brain Health for All". The theme this year is “against disability”. But the principles have not changed.
The road to brain health starts with the principle that "It is possible to 'protect' all or part of all brain diseases." Any brain-related disability can be prevented, treated and rehabilitated.

This will, of course, start with creating "Awareness". Success against disability due to brain disorders, worldwide or nationally, can only be possible with the application of brain health awareness. According to the World Health Organization, disability actually results from the relationship between a person's health status and stigma, inability to access public tools and services, lack of social support, and environmental factors that cause illness. Then the effort should start to raise the awareness of the society. Public education will empower individuals to seek care, optimize their brain health, and reduce barriers to the care of neurological disorders. Stigma, discrimination and social exclusion are common problems that people with brain disabilities and their families suffer unnecessarily. Society should prevent this. In addition, it is necessary to transform the perspective of health professionals in order to reduce the impact of disability due to brain diseases. Applications for this purpose should be one of the basic elements in the approach to the patient. The main responsibility of the state authority regulating health services is at this point. The prevention and care of brain deficiencies is actually the responsibility of the whole society. Solutions require the concerted effort of health officials, policymakers and the public.

The solution will continue with "Access". Full access to care, treatment, rehabilitation, and assistive technology is essential to brain health. Adequate access to diagnosis, medicines, interventional and operational procedures, assistive technologies, biological products, and cell and gene therapy are all necessary to optimize brain health. In our country, as in many parts of the world, the care of the neurologically handicapped perdsons is usually provided free of charge by family members. This is not enough. Professional and scientific perspective should always be with these people.

And, "Education" is another critical key. Persons with disabilities can achieve equality through education. Educating not only patients and society, but also relevant health professionals will reduce the negative effects of brain injuries.

And, in these processes, “advocacy” is indispensable, by not giving up and evolving constantly, because brain health is a human right that should be valid everywhere and for everyone. Local health coverage and access is an important aspect of health equity and should be ensured. Local gaps in the equation should be minimized.

It should not be forgotten that our aim is to remove the barriers that prevent people with with disabilities from neurological diseases from reaching the highest possible standard of health they deserve. Disability caused by neurological disability includes long-term physical, mental, cognitive or sensory impairments that can limit a person's full participation in society. Many of these individuals face stigma, discrimination, lack of access to professional healthcare and rehabilitation approaches that can change their lives. We must advocate for equality and zero discrimination for people with neurological disabilities. We must advocate for equality for people with disabilities and zero discrimination. But it is essential that all of us, not just people with disabilities, understand the importance of prioritizing brain health and recognize the uniquely important role that brain health plays in leading a meaningful and purposeful life. The Turkish Society of Neurology will continue to work with this hope. To the end and succeed.