On 28 January, the OECD’s New Approaches to Economic Challenges (NAEC) group, in a joint initiative with EBRAINS, the Coordinator of the Human Brain Project (HBP) and Research Infrastructure for the study of the brain, hosted an online discussion to articulate the vision and key elements of the future European brain research and brain health agenda. The meeting brought together representatives from the French EU Presidency, European Commission, World Health Organization, scientific societies, patient organisations, health professionals, as well as leading brain researchers. In a world shaped by the pandemic, with all its economic implications, and in the face of new challenges posed by misinformation and mental health conditions, there is a need for new analytical approaches, tools, and insights. Recently, the NAEC presented a Neuroscience-inspired Policy Initiative focusing on the concept of “Brain Capital”, which considers brain skills and brain health as indispensable parts of the knowledge economy.
This principle-based approach to understanding the interplay between brain function and health and the economy also highlights cost and burden. The impacts of adverse brain function have never been greater. However, there is a convergence of developments that might help place the brain at the centre of the EU policy agenda. Good brain health plays a significant role in an individual’s well-being and collectively has a profound impact on the economy and society. Poor brain health, or brain disease, carries devastating public health, social and economic consequences. Participants of the Round Table highlighted the scale of brain health issues, noting that, in 2021, more than 21 million people across the OECD member countries lived with dementia. Globally, dementia costs over USD 1 trillion per year and represents one of the leading causes of disability for older adults. This number is set to increase with population ageing over the coming years. It was widely agreed that disruptions to brain health, such as mental health conditions and neurodegenerative diseases, are becoming increasingly prevalent and that psychological resilience is key to absorbing and adapting to social and economic shocks. Participants called for better prevention and education on the brain and mental health, noting that, while treatments are available, nearly two-thirds of people with a known mental health disorder never seek professional help. It was also highlighted that although the role of the patient community has increased, it is often left out of research projects until the last minute. Meanwhile the EU has been traditionally lagging behind the US in funding clinical trials. Earlier involvement of patient organisations and patients in research projects, and large-scale clinical studies were therefore highlighted as important steps towards bridging the gap between research and clinical practice, and improving patient health.
Discussions also revolved around the creation of the European Health Data Space, which participants agreed will build a technological and process-based foundation for data sharing and exchange. It will enable convergence on data governance and allow efficient rules to ensure high standards for data quality and exchange. At the same time, it will facilitate the update and upgrade of essential data infrastructure and the exchange of information between European patients, health care systems, researchers, and planning and the design and implementation of clinical trials involving patients across multiple countries. In closing, the meeting participants urged stepping up efforts at the European level, through more strategic funding streams and alignment of research agendas, and highlighted the pressing need to develop the European Health Data Space and set it on a roadmap to address the needs of the research and health community while ensuring that data safety, exchange, and governance are maintained at the highest level. Alzheimer Europe Executive Director Jean Georges took part in this meeting. Read the full meeting report:
https://www.ebrains.eu/news/Towards-a-European-Brain-Initiative/