World Brain Day, an observance dedicated to raising awareness about neurological disorders and promoting brain health, is marked every year on July 21. Various organisations and communities come together to advocate better understanding, prevention and treatment of brain-related conditions, fostering a healthier and more supportive world for individuals affected by neurological issues.
The World Federation of Neurology and the World Federation for Neurorehabilitation have announced “brain health and disability” as the theme this year. “This year’s theme will inspire a global initiative to close the gaps in disability education and awareness and to break down barriers to health care that exist for individuals with disabilities. When it comes to brain health, may we leave no one behind,” the World Federation of Neurology said.
The federation stated that brain disabilities can be prevented and treated. “Universal access to professional care, treatment, rehabilitation and assistive technology is essential—and it starts with education,” it said.
It becomes crucial to delve into the varied and common brain disabilities and to think of ways to mitigate their incidences. Brain disabilities, also known as neurological or neurodevelopmental disorders, encompass a range of conditions affecting people’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functions.
“Some common brain disabilities are autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability, epilepsy, cerebral Palsy, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and traumatic brain injury. ASD is a developmental disorder impacting communication, behaviour and social interaction,” Dr Sameer Arora, consultant (neurology) at the Narayana Superspeciality Hospital in Gurugram, said.
Dr Ravindra Srivastava, director of neurosurgery at the Primus Hospital, New Delhi, explained the disorders.
Autism spectrum disorders: A range of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by challenges in social interaction, communication and restricted interests or repetitive behaviours.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A condition marked by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity affecting a person’s ability to focus and control behaviour.
Intellectual disabilities: These involve limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour, leading to difficulties in learning, problem-solving, and independent living.
Epilepsy: A neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures due to abnormal brain activity.
Cerebral palsy: A group of motor disorders caused by damage to the developing brain before or during birth, affecting muscle control and coordination.
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias: Progressive cognitive decline and memory loss associated with ageing.
Stroke: A sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain, leading to damage in the affected area and potentially causing various disabilities.
Traumatic brain injury: Brain damage caused by external forces such as accidents or concussions.
In India, Dr Arora said, the most common brain disabilities are epilepsy, stroke, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disability. “Stroke incidence has been increasing in India due to changing lifestyles and the ageing population. Intellectual disability affects a significant number of individuals in India, often resulting from genetic or environmental factors. India has a considerable population of people with epilepsy, and various organisations are working to increase awareness and improve treatment,” he said, adding that the prevalence of cerebral palsy was relatively higher in India than many other countries.
The effect of brain disabilities can vary based on gender, influenced by various biological and social factors. “For example, neurodevelopmental disorders may be more apparent in children as they affect early development, whereas neurodegenerative disorders like dementia are more prevalent among older adults. Gender differences may influence how certain conditions present themselves, with some disorders showing a higher incidence in one gender over the other,” Dr Amit Shrivastava, director of neurology at the Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital in Delhi, said.
However, the impact will depend on the type and severity of the disability, Dr Arora said.
In children, brain disabilities can significantly hinder their development, learning capabilities, and socialisation skills. Early diagnosis and intervention play a crucial role in providing necessary support for their progress. During adolescence, brain disabilities may present challenges in academics, social interactions, and emotional well-being, as this phase of life is critical for identity formation and peer relationships.
In adults, brain disabilities can have implications on employment opportunities, relationships, and overall independence, potentially affecting their quality of life.
For the elderly, neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s may result in severe cognitive decline and increased dependence on caregivers, affecting their ability to manage daily activities. Each age group requires tailored approaches and support systems to address the unique challenges posed by brain disabilities at different stages of life.
Experts noted that increased awareness and improved diagnostic methods had led to more accurate identification and reporting of brain disabilities. However, changing lifestyles, increased stress and environmental factors have contributed to the rise of certain conditions.
“With advancements in healthcare, the global population is ageing, leading to a rise in age-related brain disorders like Alzheimer’s. Exposure to certain pollutants, toxins and infections can increase the risk of brain disabilities. According to the ICMR Disease Burden Survey, stroke, headache disorders and epilepsy are the leading contributors to the neurological disorder burden in India. Stroke caused 699,000 deaths in India in 2019, which was 7.4 per cent of the total deaths in the country,” Dr Arora said.
Consequently, mitigating the risk of brain disabilities from an early age is crucial. Dr Srivastava detailed measures that can contribute to achieving this goal.
Prenatal care: Ensuring regular prenatal check-ups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy can reduce the risk of certain brain disabilities.
Early childhood interventions: Providing appropriate early stimulation, education and support for children can foster healthy brain development and address potential issues early on.
Vaccination: Ensuring timely vaccinations can protect against infections that might lead to brain-related complications.
Safety measures: Implementing safety measures, especially during sports and recreational activities, can help prevent traumatic brain injuries
Mental health support: Early identification and intervention for mental health concerns can promote overall brain health.
Managing brain disabilities, too, requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving healthcare professionals, educators, therapists and family support. “Treatment and interventions may include therapy (occupational, speech, behavioural), medication, assistive devices and support from caregivers and community resources. A personalised care plan tailored to the individual’s needs is essential. Moreover, promoting inclusion and reducing stigma around brain disabilities can create a more supportive environment. Accessible infrastructure and services, along with public awareness campaigns, can improve the quality of life for people living with brain disabilities,” Dr Shrivastava said.
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