Brain health: Policy challenges and opportunities to manage neurological diseases
On 24 February, Committee on Public Health organised a public hearing on Neurological health. Members of the SANT committee discussed brain health, an important public health issue, in two panels: "Successes and challenges of cutting-edge research on neurology and the potential of neurotechnology" and "European collaboration on neurological health, in particular in the field of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases", which was followed by the exchange of views and the debate.
Neurological diseases are one of Europe's most urgent and rapidly expanding health, social and economic challenges. Being the leading cause of disability, neurological diseases are said to affect 1 in 3 people in Europe. This challenges healthcare systems, social support structures and caregivers. Furthermore, neurodegenerative conditions, such as dementia, Parkinson's disease and ALS, are estimated to increase in an aging society. For instance, Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, while Parkinson's disease is the fastest‑growing neurological disorder worldwide. ALS, though rare, is severe and progressive with rising prevalence.