Brain awareness week runs from March 14th – 20th, and we at Advanced Home Care Solutions are passionate about all things brain health. Given what we do as a healthcare staffing agency, this is a cause very near and dear to our hearts.
Let’s delve into the basis of Brain Awareness week, why it’s so important and where you can make a difference in advancing our knowledge of the most mysterious and complex organ in the human body.
First of all, why do we celebrate Brain Awareness Week? The answer is simple: building awareness and enthusiasm around the brain and its functions help us to progress in neuroscience. When our understanding of the human brain evolves, so does medicine, technology and more. In fact, the impact brain science has on our everyday lives is immense. It only stands to reason that learning as much as we can about neuroscience will encourage continuous evolution and innovation. We must open as much access to new ideas and information as possible – and as a result, the possibilities are endless.
Brain research is especially important to the medical community, as brain-related conditions are widespread, do not discriminate and affect us all, either directly or indirectly. Prevention and cure are a major focus when it comes to neurological and psychological conditions, and the truth is that without brain research, medical breakthroughs are not possible.
The Psychological and Physiological Components of Our Brains
Perhaps the brain’s most fascinating feature is its involvement in psychological as well as physiological functions. The brain is the director of our bodies, it tells everything what to do and feel. The brain (specifically, the hypothalamus) plays a key role in certain hormone output, blood pressure control, and even our digestive system. Not only that, the brain also interprets pain and touch through receptors, allows us to process emotions, and facilitates the forming of complex thoughts. These are all things that make us sentient beings.
In terms of psychological function, the brain is both fascinating and perplexing. As we know, the chemicals in our brain can determine our mood, emotional stability, and even how we learn – meaning that we all have unique brain chemistry and can be predisposed to things like mental illness and neurodivergence. It’s possible that we can influence some of these chemicals through diet, exercise, mindfulness, medication, etc., but the bottom line is that we are born with the brain chemistry we are born with.
Cognitive Function & Brain Diseases
Scientists are still uncovering new findings on conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s Disease, etc., and how things like memory, mood, physiology, and overall cognitive function are impacted by degenerative brain diseases. These discoveries are crucial in supporting the development of preventative / curative treatments, clinical trials, etc.
What Can You Do?
If you want to be part of brain research advancement, do your part by spreading awareness and getting involved – share credible and science-confirmed information, enroll in volunteer programs, and get educated so that you can be a support for those with brain-related conditions. The more we know, the more we can do to help.
From all of us at AHCS, happy Brain Awareness Week!