On 24 March 2026, the Polish Parliament hosted the European Brain Health Day under the theme “Prevention, Health Policy, Future Generations,” as part of the Year of Prevention. The event, initiated by the Mental Power for Brain Health Foundation, brought together representatives of the scientific and clinical communities, policymakers, and social organizations to discuss the urgent need to make brain health a key public health priority. The meeting was opened by Deputy Marshal of the Sejm, Monika Wielichowska, who highlighted prevention as the cornerstone of modern health policy. She emphasized that promoting healthy lifestyles and early interventions is essential for improving long-term public health outcomes, particularly in the context of the Year of Health Prevention. A central part of the programme was the joint session of parliamentary groups, during which participants explored the future direction of brain health strategies in both Poland and Europe. Among the distinguished speakers were Adam Jarubas, Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the Committee on Public Health (SANT), Frédéric Destrebecq, Executive Director of the European Brain Council, and Iwona Kozłowska, Chair of the Parliamentary Group on Central Nervous System Diseases and Health Prevention.
The discussion was enriched by leading experts, including Prof. Alina Kułakowska, Prof. Agata Szulc, Prof. Halina Sienkiewicz-Jarosz, Prof. Konrad Rejdak, Prof. Paweł Koczkodaj, Dr Aleksandra Lewandowska, Dr Łukasz Dembiński, Dr Maja Herman, Dr Joanna Wojsiat, and Dr Joanna Gradek. Together, they emphasized that a significant proportion of brain disorders is linked to modifiable risk factors, and that everyday choices, such as physical activity, sleep, diet, and stress management—play a crucial role in maintaining brain health.
During the event, the Mental Power Foundation presented the concept “Ten for a Healthy Brain – daily choices for lifelong health,” as part of its educational campaign “Your Brain Loves Movement.” The initiative promotes simple, accessible actions that can support brain function and overall well-being throughout life. Importantly, the event moved beyond discussion to practical demonstration. It concluded with a symbolic slow jogging session in Ujazdowski Park under the slogan “Your Brain Loves Movement,” led by Dr Joanna Gradek from the Slow Jogging Poland Association. Participants included Deputy Marshal Monika Wielichowska, MP Iwona Kozłowska, Dr Maja Herman, and Adrian Bart Kowalski, co-creator of the podcast “Przypadkiem.” Their participation underscored a key message: brain health prevention begins with simple, everyday actions.
This practical element reinforced one of the event’s central themes, physical activity as a fundamental pillar of brain health. Scientific evidence clearly shows that regular movement improves concentration, supports memory, enhances cognitive performance, and reduces stress. It also stimulates neuroplasticity, promotes the formation of new neural connections, and may lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and mental health disorders.
In today’s world, characterized by chronic stress, information overload, and sedentary lifestyles, physical activity is one of the most accessible and effective tools for prevention. Even small, consistent efforts can significantly improve both mental well-being and quality of life, regardless of age. The slow jogging session symbolized a shift from policy to action and from dialogue to daily practice. As promoted by the “Your Brain Loves Movement” campaign, maintaining brain health does not require radical change, but rather consistent, conscious choices.
