July 22 — World Brain Day: history and traditions of the holiday

Every year on July 22, Russia and other countries celebrate World Brain Day, a holiday dedicated to the health of one of the most important human organs. Read about the history of the celebration and the traditions associated with it in the Izvestia article.

The History of World Brain Day

The holiday appeared in 2014 on the initiative of the World Federation of Neurology, which sought to draw attention to the most important issues of diagnosis and treatment of the nervous system and the brain. The date of the celebration was chosen as the foundation day of the organization — July 22, 1957.

The brain is the main command center of our body, controlling not only the central nervous system, but also many other organs and systems. It is responsible for processing external signals, storing information, speaking, reading, writing, learning, spatial orientation, movement, and many other functions without which it is difficult to imagine our daily lives. To keep it working, the heart pumps about a third of all blood, and about 20% of the incoming oxygen goes to feed the brain.

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Any disorders in the brain affect the quality of human life, as they lead to malfunctions in the body's systems. The consequences of diseases and injuries related to the brain can be difficult to predict. They can lead to epilepsy, dementia, stroke, ischemia, multiple sclerosis and other pathologies. Therefore, doctors around the world attach special importance to brain health.

Traditions of celebrating World Brain Day

In honor of the holiday, the World Federation of Neurology holds various forums, congresses, webinars and other events dedicated to the work of one of the most important human organs. Seminars, meetings, lectures and educational talks are also organized by local associations of doctors.

On World Brain Day, experts share their experiences, summarize the results of the year, and discuss the latest discoveries in neurology, neurosurgery, neurophysiology, and other fields.

How to support brain function in 2025

As we age, each person's brain undergoes a number of changes. The most active period of his work falls on the first years of his life — from two to 11 years old. Subsequently, it becomes more difficult to form new neural connections. Elderly people often experience a decrease in mental and cognitive abilities. However, if you follow a healthy lifestyle and constant mental stress, even at an advanced age, you can maintain mental clarity.

One of the best ways to keep your brain functioning is considered to be intellectual activity. Reading, memorizing poetry, creativity, counting in the mind, visiting new places, solving puzzles, working with fine motor skills — all this stimulates brain cells, encouraging them to form new neural connections. Such exercises help to develop the flexibility of thinking and allow the brain to work effectively at any age.

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Moderate physical activity is beneficial not only for muscles and joints, but also for the brain. It improves blood circulation, strengthens blood vessels and relieves stress, which has a beneficial effect on the whole body. And studying various exercises forms new neural connections in the brain, making it more resilient and adaptive.

Proper nutrition, control of blood pressure and blood sugar levels, rejection of bad habits and minimization of stress factors play an important role in maintaining brain function. In addition, it is important to avoid head injuries, as they can cause disorders in the nervous system.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the meaning and traditions of the Day of the Medical Worker.