Spot the Subtle Signs: World Brain Day 2025 Highlights Brain Health for All

World Brain Day, observed on July 22, emphasizes the need to recognize early signs of brain-related conditions particularly brain tumors, which often masquerade as common stress or fatigue.

This initiative is led by World Federation of Neurology which aims to raise awareness, educate and prevent neurological disorders.

For World Brain Day 2025, the theme “Brain Health for All Ages” highlights the importance of lifelong brain health. Supported by 125 national neurological societies, the initiative highlights the urgent need for education, early intervention, access to care, and advocacy. Aligned with WHO’s mission, it emphasizes that many neurological disabilities can be prevented, treated, or managed with proper care, benefiting individuals at every stage of life.

The campaign aligns with the WHO’s Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) for epilepsy and other neurological disorders and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, placing brain health as a global priority.

While occasional tiredness or forgetfulness may seem harmless, persistent or unusual symptoms could signal more serious neurological concerns.

Recognizing Neurological Changes Early

Brain-related symptoms often develop slowly and may be mistaken for fatigue or aging. However, subtle changes in speech, memory, vision, or movement can be early signs of underlying neurological issues such as stroke, dementia, or epilepsy.

Common symptoms to watch for include: ^[8]

• Sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body

• Memory lapses or confusion

• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech

• Frequent or severe headaches

• Unexplained mood or personality changes

• Seizures or unusual sensations

If these symptoms appear or worsen over time, seeking early medical attention can improve outcomes. Prompt neurological evaluation and imaging tools like MRI or CT can aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Note: When in doubt, consult a qualified neurologist to rule out or address any underlying brain-related conditions.

The Importance of Brain Health Awareness

World Brain Health Day serves as a timely reminder to prioritize neurological wellness. Understanding that not all signs of fatigue or stress are harmless helps foster proactive healthcare decisions. The focus is not only on diagnosing illness but also on encouraging early screening and increasing public awareness about what could go wrong—quietly—in the brain.

According to a 2021 Lancet Neurology study, over 3 billion people globally are affected by neurological disorders. The WHO reports that more than 80% of neurological-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting stark disparities in access to care.

In India, a 2019 research report revealed that between 1990 and 2019, the proportion of non-communicable and injury-related neurological diseases in the country’s total disease burden more than doubled. This increase may be largely attributed to the rising elderly population. Among these conditions, stroke (37.9%), headaches including migraine and tension-type (17.5%), and epilepsy (11.3%) were identified as the primary contributors to India’s neurological disease burden. ^[5,6]

Reference:

1. World Federation of Neurology. World Brain Day 2025. Accessed July 22, 2025. https://wfneurology.org/worldbrainday.

2. Dodick, David, and Tissa Wijeratne. “World Brain Day 2025: Brain Health for All Ages.” World Federation of Neurology. Accessed July 22, 2025. https://wfneurology.org/news-events/news/world-brain-day-2025.

3. World Health Organization. Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders 2022–2031. Geneva: WHO, 2022. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240057687.

4. Feigin, Valery L., et al. “The Global Burden of Neurological Disorders: Translating Evidence into Policy.” The Lancet Neurology 20, no. 3 (March 2021): 195–196. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(21)00003-6.

5. Indian Council of Medical Research, Public Health Foundation of India, and Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. India: Health of the Nation’s States—The India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative. New Delhi: ICMR, PHFI, and IHME, 2019. https://www.healthdata.org/sites/default/files/files/policy_report/2019/India_Health_of_the_Nation%27s_States_Report_2019.pdf.

6. Harvard Health Publishing. “12 Ways to Keep Your Brain Young.” Harvard Medical School. Last modified February 15, 2024. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/12-ways-to-keep-your-brain-young.

7. World Health Organization. “Epilepsy.” WHO Fact Sheets. Last modified June 20, 2024. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/epilepsy.

8. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Know Stroke: Warning Signs and Symptoms.” National Institutes of Health. Last modified June 2023. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/stroke.

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