On the occasion of World Brain Day 2026, Dr. (Prof.) Kunal Bahrani, Chairman & Group Director – Neurology, Yatharth Hospital, has called for making brain health a national health priority, highlighting the alarming rise in neurological disorders and the urgent need for preventive care, early diagnosis, and equitable access to neurological services.
This year’s World Brain Day, themed “Brain Health: Access for All,” draws attention to a growing global health challenge. According to the World Federation of Neurology, over 3.4 billion people, more than 40% of the world’s population, are currently living with neurological conditions, making neurological disorders the leading cause of disability worldwide. Yet, millions continue to face delayed diagnosis due to poor awareness, limited access to specialists, and social stigma.
Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Kunal Bahrani said,”Brain health is no longer an issue confined to old age. Over the last few years, we have witnessed a concerning rise in neurological disorders among younger adults as well. Chronic stress, sedentary lifestyles, poor sleep, unhealthy dietary habits, uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes, obesity, excessive screen time, and increasing environmental pollution are silently impacting brain health. We are seeing more patients presenting with migraines, stroke at a younger age, epilepsy, cognitive concerns, sleep disorders, and movement disorders than ever before. The encouraging aspect is that many neurological disorders can either be prevented or their progression significantly delayed through timely intervention. Managing lifestyle diseases, remaining physically active, prioritising quality sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, staying mentally engaged, and undergoing regular health check-ups can go a long way in protecting brain health. Prevention remains our strongest medicine.”
Growing scientific evidence also indicates that up to 45% of dementia cases could potentially be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, hearing loss, depression, physical inactivity, and air pollution, underscoring the importance of preventive healthcare throughout life.
Dr. Bahrani further urged people not to ignore warning signs such as sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, slurred speech, severe headaches, unexplained seizures, memory decline, persistent dizziness, vision disturbances, or difficulty maintaining balance.
He said, “Stroke remains a medical emergency where every minute counts. Early recognition of symptoms and immediate medical attention can dramatically improve outcomes and reduce long-term disability. Public awareness about neurological symptoms can save lives.”
Emphasising that brain health should receive the same attention as heart health or diabetes, Dr. Bahrani added, “Brain health begins long before disease develops. It starts with the choices we make every day. On this World Brain Day, let us move beyond awareness and adopt healthier lifestyles, encourage routine neurological check-ups for high-risk individuals, and ensure timely access to quality neurological care. A healthier brain today is the foundation for a healthier tomorrow.”