Brain health is an evolving concept, attracting increasing attention not only from the health sector but also from wider society. The brain and central nervous system are the command centre of the human body, controlling both conscious and unconscious body functions and thereby influencing every aspect of life. If our brains are challenged by disease or other factors, this poses significant risks not only to an individual’s overall health and well-being, but also to global development.

Neurological conditions affect the central and/or peripheral nervous system and include neuro-degenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, cerebrovascular diseases including stroke, neuroinfectious/neuro-immunological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, along with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. They also encompass well known diseases such as migraine and epilepsy, as well as many rare and neglected diseases.

Neurological conditions tend to be chronic, life-long conditions. As such, they require coordinated, multidisciplinary, integrated management and rehabilitation; delivered through a stepped model of care. Across the neurological disorders there is a major lack of awareness – many are neglected and, even, contested. This leads to stigma, discrimination and limited access to treatment, services and supports.

It is estimated that 1 in 3 people will develop a neurological condition at some point in their life, making them the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and the 2^nd leading cause of death globally. In Europe, they are the 3^rd leading cause of death and DALYs.

The cost of neurological conditions in Europe is €336 billion annually – and growing.

Due to their immense burden, neurological and mental health conditions were added to the list of priority non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018.

With the NCD Initiative and the Global action plan set in motion, the European community is now presented with a unique window of opportunity to provide an integrated and cross-sectorial response to neurological health. Investing in this holistic model can bring measurable health and economic gains to European countries. This includes decreasing the incidence of brain health and neurological conditions, improving survival rates, reducing complications and disability, lowering treatment costs and – ultimately – ensuring a better quality of life for all those affected.

To drive this agenda forward, the MEP Interest Group on Brain Health and Neurological Conditions will provide an advocacy platform for stakeholders from across the brain health and neurology communities, with the patient voice at its core.