The brain is the most complex organ in the human body and enables people to sense, feel, think, move and interact with the world around them. It is important to preserve and develop the brain in order to achieve good health throughout an individual’s life course (Wang et al., 2020; World Health Organization, 2022). Brain health is important for good health in general, quality of life, productivity and creativity throughout life. It is a question not only of avoiding illness, but also of safeguarding the cognitive, emotional, behavioural and social functions that help a person to cope with different life situations (Bassetti et al., 2022).
A high proportion of Norway’s population will be affected by brain diseases during their lifetime (Ministry of Health and Care Services, 2017; Nordengen, 2020) and a significant number of people die as a result of a brain disease. Many people have functional impairments and face barriers to participating in society. No curative treatment is currently available for many brain diseases, only symptom relief. People with brain diseases also often suffer from chronic ailments which they have to live with for many years (Boon et al., 2025). These conditions can vary in cause, symptoms and progression, but common to them all is that they can significantly affect quality of life and require long-term treatment and follow-up (Steinmetz et al, 2024). We also do not know enough about what causes many brain diseases (Ministry of Health and Care Services, 2017).
The relatives of someone with a brain disease can face varying health challenges. Worries, care tasks and support from relief agencies can affect how individual relatives perceive the burden (Pårørendesenteret, 2017).
In order to provide good care, treatment and tailored follow-up to people suffering from brain diseases and support their relatives, close cooperation between the various levels of the health and care services is crucial. This is because many people with a brain disease are in need of extensive help and follow-up from both the municipal health and care services and the specialist health service (Ministry of Health and Care Services, 2017).
The authorities can do much to promote the best possible brain health among the entire population and ensure follow-up and treatment for those with a brain disease. Brain health is arguably one of the biggest global health challenges of the 21st century (Dawson et al., 2020). Building the foundations for the best possible brain health for everyone is therefore the most valuable investment a society can make (Aivoliitto, 2022a; Hachinski & Ganten, undated). A brain health strategy is therefore important.