Finland's brain capital

A new perspective into brain health – from preventing brain diseases to enhancing brain wellbeing

Brain health is Finland’s shared capital. The brain regulates the functioning of a person’s entire body. The brain is responsible for behaviour, emotions, information processing, and the regulation of all of these. No more, no less.

In October 2021, The Finnish Brain Association (Aivoliitto ry) began preparations for a national brain health programme in collaboration with an extensive group of experts. The programme examines brain health through the operating environments of three age groups (children and young people, people of working age, and seniors).
The preparation of the programme is steered by a proactive approach with emphasis on protective factors, and effectiveness, and it is thereby unique on a global scale. The new perspective on brain health covers brain wellbeing and functional ability.

The national brain health programme is part of a wider entity and supplements existing operations. The programme accounts for other tangential and existing programmes that promote brain health.

The impact goal of the programme

A humanly sustainable community that supports brain health

Our brain is an inseparable part of us – our shared capital, that we and our society cannot live without. That’s why we must have a humanly sustainable community that supports brain health and makes it possible to look after our brains in everyday situations.

The goals of the programme

The long-term impact goal of the National Brain Health Programme is a socially sustainable society that promotes brain health. Achieving this requires the following impact goals related to brain health:

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Factors protecting the brain health of children and young people

Taking care of brain health ensures a peaceful growth and creates the conditions for lifelong well-being. In children and young people, the brain undergoes a tremendous process of development and shaping, and not all brain functions have yet fully matured to the level they will reach in adulthood. Therefore, it is important to provide a peaceful environment for brain maturation, support the normal age-related developmental tasks of the brain and the individual, and especially facilitate the development of stress-regulation mechanisms during childhood and adolescence

Factors protecting the brain health of the working-age population

Caring for brain health supports workability and mental well-being while preventing brain diseases and exhaustion. The information society poses various challenges to our brains in learning, work, and leisure environments, as well as in services. Balancing the load and recovery is crucial in supporting brain health across all age groups, but becomes particularly emphasized in the working-age population, especially amid the pressures of work or unemployment and family responsibilities.

Factors protecting the brain health of the elderly

Taking care of brain health supports the well-being, functionality, and quality of life for the elderly. Caring for the brain health of older individuals involves optimizing their current well-being and functionality. When a person experiences appreciation, can act autonomously, and feels secure, all these factors contribute to brain health.

Information for decision-makers

Looking after brain health is a collective responsibility in our society, not individual.

We need you all!

An extensive group of experts in various fields is required for the implementation of practical measures. We want to look after the brain health of every person living in Finland.