The European Brain Council has joined members European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA) and European Academy of Neurology (EAN) in sending an open letter to EU leaders, making a strong case for increased prioritisation of neurological/brain health in EU policies and calling for concrete measures to be undertaken to counteract the increasing burden of brain disorders.
We know from studies that at least 1 in 3 people will experience a brain disorder in their lifetime, with a total cost of brain ill-health in Europe alone estimated to be €800 billion each year – more than the cost of all major disease areas combined. The Global Burden of Disease Study Group found that neurological disorders formed the world’s largest cause of disability adjusted life years in 2015 and the second largest cause of global death, i.e. 16.8%. Brain disorders constitute the most prevalent disabling and burdensome diseases among NCDs in the European population. Evidence also shows that brain research has the highest potential in terms of return on investment, far exceeding the return in any other area. Therefore it is important that brain health receives far greater attention by the new European Commission and Parliament.
This letter has been sent to Dr Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President-elect, Ms. Stella Kyriakides, Health Commissioner-designate, Ms. Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner-Designate for Innovation and Youth, Mr David Sassoli, European Parliament President and other policymakers.
The full letter can be read here.