Brain Awareness Week

Brain Awareness Week, taking place in the second week of March, sits within the broader framework of Brain Injury Awareness Month - a vital campaign dedicated to increasing public understanding of brain injuries and their profound impact on individuals and families.

While Brain Awareness Week focuses on the importance of brain health and neuroscience advancements, Brain Injury Awareness Month, which TSP will explore separately, highlights the challenges faced by those living with traumatic and acquired brain injuries.

As a law firm with a dedicated Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence team, we see first-hand the devastating consequences of brain injuries caused by accidents, medical negligence and other preventable incidents. Through expert legal support, we help individuals and their families secure the compensation and care they need to rebuild their lives. Raising awareness is crucial, and we are proud to support campaigns advocating for better prevention, treatment and legal protections for those affected.

What is Brain Awareness Week?

Brain Awareness Week is a global initiative organised by private philanthropic organization the DANA Foundation aimed at increasing public awareness of brain science. The Foundation also looks at brain health and brain research designed to help learn how to protect and nurture the brain.

Research involving the brain is important for understanding common brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Motor Neuron disease and Multiple Sclerosis, as well as mental health, brain injury and prevention, rehabilitation and recovery.

What activities take place during Brain Awareness Week?

During this week, communities, schools, charities, organisations and individuals fun and informative activities in their community to educate people about the importance of brain research.

Where did it all begin?

Brain Awareness Week has been running for nearly 30 years. It began in 1996 with the aim of educating people about brain research, and the types of treatments available, along with highlighting specific research that is being carried out to help prevent and cure brain diseases.

What’s happening?

University College London has been a leading centre on brain science for more than 30 years.  They hope to use Brain Awareness Week to highlight the pace of progress in brain research at UCL, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

AI is also being used in the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology for retinal research and in collaboration with Moorfields Eye Hospital, where AI is being used to detect Parkinson’s disease up to seven years before diagnosis.

The National Neurological Alliances of England, Scotland and Wales, and the Northern Ireland Neurological Charities Alliance are working together to raise awareness of the critical need for more research on neurological conditions and calling on the UK Government to invest in neurological research.

Sam Mountney, Policy and External Affairs Manager at The Neurological Alliance (England) says: “Despite affecting at least one in six people across the UK, neurological conditions are often not seen by government as a priority area for research. We’re pleased to join with Neurological Alliances across the UK and more than 70 organisations in calling for neurological conditions to receive the research funding and attention they need.”

The British Neuroscience Association is holding a series of interactive science days for families through the University of Liverpool’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences and the World Museum.

Thompson Smith and Puxon work closely with a host of local charities and organisations to provide additional support and care for clients, colleagues and the community as a whole. From training staff to act as ‘Dementia Friends’, to participating in community mental health and wellbeing walks, to implementing mental health first aiders all the way to being awarded Compassionate Champion status, we recognise the importance of keeping brains and bodies happy and healthy.

Top tips for brain health

Exercise

From a walk, to a dance, to yoga or tai chi, regular exercise benefits the brain. Research shows that physically active people are less likely to suffer from a decline in mental function.

Rest

A solid sleep routine helps the brain reset itself and boosts overall memory and brain health.

Diet

Omega fatty acids and healthy fats play a vital role in cell function and decrease the risk of coronary artery disease and slows cognitive decline.

Mental stimulation

The brain is a muscle which needs to be worked out. From crosswords to puzzles, to route planning and brain training apps, all these activities keep the brain active.

Social interactions

Social interactions and connecting with people is proven to reduce the risk of depression and poor mental health and instead boosts memory.