Inclusive minds: nurturing brain health for all

Posted on: 07 March 2024

Disability is a widespread human experience affecting approximately 1.3 billion people, or about 16% of the global population. Brain-related conditions, such as traumatic brain injury or Alzheimer's disease, can lead to neurological impairments—both cognitive and motor deficits—and impede autonomy in daily activities. However, the relationship between brain dysfunction, impairments, and disability is nuanced. Disability levels relate to the interaction between physical or cognitive functioning and the environment, with factors like inaccessible buildings or negative community attitudes acting as barriers. Conversely, supportive environments can facilitate the full and effective participation of individuals with disabilities. Inclusion, defined as equal opportunity for participation, emerges as a modifiable factor influencing brain health for people with disabilities.

Inclusion: A Key Factor in Brain Health

Inclusion serves as a pivotal factor facilitating access to brain health. Consider four examples of modifiable dementia risk factors influenced by inclusion: education, chronic health conditions, physical activity, and socialization. Inclusive educational settings allow individuals with disabilities to attain higher levels of education, enhancing cognitive skills and employment opportunities. Inclusive healthcare systems provide effective treatment for chronic conditions (such as hypertension and diabetes), which can impact brain health. Inclusive sports with adapted physical activity participate to better brain health. Inclusive leisure activities enhance social interactions and well-being and reduce the risk of isolation and depression. From an economic perspective, investing in inclusion policies is essential, as they yield significant benefits in terms of improved brain health and overall quality of life.

MyBrainRobbie: Promoting Inclusion and Brain Health

Inclusion is a fundamental human right that requires understanding and support from both children and society at large. MyBrainRobbie, which I founded in 2018, aims to promote brain health and reduce social health inequalities, starting from childhood. The program consists of two educational initiatives: "A Healthy Brain" raises awareness about modifiable factors impacting brain health, while "An Inclusive World"—a newest addition to the program—focuses on disability and inclusion. Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health model developed by the World Health Organization, the program addresses complex topics such as the role of physical environments in the disability process and the importance of empathy and societal responsibility. By fostering understanding and empathy among younger generations, MyBrainRobbie aims to create a more equitable and inclusive society for all. The program is freely available for viewing and sharing.

More information on MyBrainRobbie

 You can Learn more about MyBrainRobbie here.

You can visit the MyBrainRobbie YouTube channel (recordings in many languages) at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@mybrainrobbie1810

Above: Children from Scoil Chaitríona, Baggot Street in Dublin recently presented their learnings from the MyBrainRobbie programme at Creative Brain Week, creating a series of art work which depicts the key messages on brain health from the programme.

Dr Eléonore Bayen

Eléonore Bayen is a neurologist, researcher and Atlantic Fellow at the Global Brain Health Institute at Trinity College Dublin. You can find out more about Eléonore's work at the following link: https://www.gbhi.org/profiles/eleonore-bayen

Acknowledgements

MyBrainRobbie.org has been supported by the Global Brain Health Institute, by the Alzheimer's Association and Alzheimer's society (Grant for Global Brain Health leaders). « An inclusive world » has been supported by the Global Brain Health Institute and by the Atlantic Institute (Solidarity Grant). 

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