Brain Awareness Week is celebrated annually in the third week of March globally. The week aims to foster public enthusiasm and support for brain science. Did you know that there are 100 billion neurons in the human brain? These neurons are the information messengers that transmit information between different brain areas, and we have so much more to discover and learn about our brain! Brain research allows us to understand our biology and body function better, which empowers medical professionals to find ways to prevent or treat brain, nervous system, and body problems. This is exactly what Brain Awareness Week aims to achieve.
History of Brain Awareness Week
The human brain is the most complicated organ in the body. This complex organ consists of many different parts, each responsible for a certain function or set of functions. It controls everything we do, from basic bodily functions like breathing and heart rate to more complex things like decision-making, memory, and language. The brain is also responsible for communicating with other organs in your body through chemical messengers called hormones.
But have you ever wondered how the brain works? Have you been curious to know what goes on inside your head every day? This is why the Dana Foundation organizes Brain Awareness Week. Brain Awareness Week is about increasing public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research. It lets people know about the progress in brain research and the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of brain disorders.
The Data Archive For The Brain Initiative (DABI) organized the first Brain Awareness Week to bring together government agencies, academic personnel, advocacy organizations, and other professionals. The goal was to unite them with the common theme that brain research is the hope for treatments, preventions, and possible cures for brain diseases and disorders. After all these years since its founding, Brain Awareness Week has grown as a global education initiative with more than 7,300 partners participating in 120 countries. Let’s support and raise awareness about the significance of brain research and ensure a better quality of life at all ages.
Brain Awareness Week timeline
Dana Alliance initiates the idea for Brain Awareness Week, which he coordinates through the Dana Foundation.
The first Brain Awareness Week is celebrated involving 160 organizations in the United States.
U.S. President Barack Obama announces the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) initiative.
The 2021 Brain Awareness Week campaign witnesses events held in 45 countries and 32 states.
Brain Awareness Week FAQs
Does the date for Brain Awareness Week vary each year?
Yes, Brain Awareness Week is celebrated in the third week of March every year.
What is the study of the brain called?
The study of the brain and nervous system, including their structure, function, and disorders, is called neuroscience.
How do we research the brain?
Scientists and researchers use several advanced devices and strategies to understand the working brain better. Some of these include magnetic resonance imaging (M.R.I), functional magnetic resonance imaging (F.M.R.I.), encephalogram (E.E.G.), and positron emission tomography (P.E.T.).
How to Observe Brain Awareness Week
Learn more about the brain
The brain is probably the greatest organ in the human body and is full of mysteries and spectacles waiting to be discovered. Learn more about the human brain from books, the internet, or other sources.
Organize an event
Invite a brain research professional or anyone well-versed in this space, and organize an event in your community to share the wonders of brain science.
Become a partner
Become a Brain Awareness Week partner and register for events held by the organizers. You can also host events and invite other partners.
5 Interesting Facts About The Brain
Brains are tough
Your brain can survive for five to six minutes without any oxygen!
Old brains can’t learn much
As we grow older, it becomes difficult to learn new things because our brains can’t filter old memories and absorb new ideas.
The brain is fat
The brain is one of the fattiest organs in the body, comprising 60% fat.
Drink water to save the brain
Our brain is 73% water, and it only takes 2% dehydration to affect your memory and other cognitive skills.
You might still be growing
According to research, it isn’t until about the age of 25 that the human brain reaches full maturity.
Why Brain Awareness Week is Important
Brain research is crucial
Studying and researching the brain helps us find ways to unlock the full potential of the human mind. Who knows what cures or mysteries we will discover?
It is fascinating
The brain is a fascinating organ, but the challenge of brain research is also great. With enough awareness and education, we can encourage many people to research the brain and find many great things.
It can help humankind
Brain diseases like dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, strokes, and even depression affect millions of people each year, and there is no definite cure or prevention for these illnesses. And brain research is the key.
Brain Awareness Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | March 14 | Monday |
| 2023 | March 13 | Monday |
| 2024 | March 11 | Monday |
| 2025 | March 10 | Monday |
| 2026 | March 16 | Monday |
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