On March 12 2025, at the Ministry of Health, Italy celebrated "Brain Health Week" with the event "One Brain, One Health – First Review of the Italian Brain Health Strategy 2024-2034."

During this event, a new "Decalogue" was presented, outlining possible actions to prevent the onset of neurodegenerative diseases or, when already present, to slow their progression and preserve as much remaining brain health as possible, ensuring a good quality of life for those affected. 

A Collaborative Effort for Brain Health

Alessandro Padovani, President of the Italian Society of Neurology, which promoted the event, explained: "A year ago, we launched the platform ‘One Brain, One Health,’ which now includes over 25 scientific societies, federations, associations representing individuals affected by neurological diseases and their families, as well as healthcare professional organizations. This inclusive network is eager to work alongside the Ministry of Health to implement policies for public health and to launch awareness and prevention campaigns for all citizens." 

AISM (Italian Multiple Sclerosis Association) was also present, represented by FISM President Mario A. Battaglia, reaffirming its commitment to collaborative efforts: "AISM has been part of the ‘One Brain, One Health’ steering committee since its inception, alongside other key stakeholders. To effectively face and overcome the global crisis posed by neurodegenerative diseases, it is essential to involve the entire community." 

Many Diseases, One Health

According to a 2024 study published in The Lancet Neurology, approximately 3.4 billion people worldwide live with one of the 37 classified neurological conditions, including stroke, neonatal encephalopathy, chronic migraines, dementia, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, meningitis, epilepsy, neurological complications from preterm birth, autism spectrum disorder, and central nervous system tumors. The prevalence of these conditions increased by 18.2% between 1990 and 2021 and continues to rise, highlighting the urgent need for new, effective strategies in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. 

Despite the diversity of conditions, the brain remains a single, unified system, intricately connected to the heart, lungs, and digestive system. Human health is one, indivisible entity that must be preserved as much as possible. As FISM President Mario A. Battaglia emphasized: "It is time for collective action, in line with the WHO’s recommendations, to enhance global knowledge and awareness, promote individual responsibility, and encourage targeted initiatives by institutions and healthcare services in collaboration with scientific societies and patient organizations." 

The Ministry of Health’s Commitment

The Italian Ministry of Health is fully engaged in this urgent mission, as emphasized in a statement from Minister of Health Orazio Schillaci: "Diseases affecting the brain have a profound impact on those affected, with significant human, social, and economic consequences that require coordinated responses. The Ministry of Health has implemented concrete measures to address this reality. We are actively involved in initiatives to raise public awareness and strengthen early detection of vulnerabilities, aligning with the objectives of the National Prevention Plan. Collaboration among institutions, scientific societies, and communities is crucial to ensuring equity and innovation in brain health care." 

A Decalogue for Brain Health

There are ten key actions to maintain brain health at any age and in any condition. As outlined in the "One Brain, One Health" Manifesto: 

• Engage in regular physical activity to improve cerebral blood flow, reduce inflammation, and enhance neural plasticity. 
• Follow the Mediterranean diet, which supports cognitive function and protects neurons. 
• Reduce stress through meditation, yoga, and deep breathing. 
• Get 7-9 hours of sleep per night to support memory and neural plasticity. 
• Stimulate the mind with activities such as reading, learning new languages, and playing or listening to music. 
• Maintain an active social life. 
• Monitor cardiovascular, auditory, and visual health. 
• Prevent head injuries as much as possible. 
• Avoid drug use, quit smoking, and limit alcohol consumption. 
• Adopt these habits to protect individual health while also promoting the sustainability of healthcare systems. 

FISM’s Mission and Commitment 

As Mario A. Battaglia stated: "The Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation is dedicated to informing and educating people on primary prevention strategies for brain health. Alongside other multiple sclerosis associations worldwide, we have launched a new international research initiative focused on MS prevention. In Italy, after establishing the Italian Multiple Sclerosis Registry in collaboration with the Italian Society of Neurology, we are also developing the ‘Barcoding MS’ project. This initiative will provide crucial data to facilitate early diagnosis—before clinical symptoms appear—ensuring a higher quality of life beyond the disease itself."