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Brain Health

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Supporting brain health through prevention, early intervention, and integrated care.

What Does Brain Health Mean?

As the global population ages, brain health, particularly dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, has emerged as a critical priority. Dementia impacts memory, cognition, sensory and motor skills, and daily functioning, creating profound challenges for individuals, families, and societies.
The growing prevalence of dementia also has major economic implications, including increased demand for long-term care and formal carers, reduced workforce participation, and rising burden on family caregivers, expected to take on increasing responsibilities to fill care gaps. Without timely interventions, these pressures risk overwhelming economies, health and social systems and communities worldwide.

How Does the IFA Advance Brain Health?

IFA advocates for a life course approach to brain health, emphasizing prevention, early intervention, and access to appropriate care throughout life. IFA’s work in brain health aims to protect the health, rights, and inclusion of older people and their families, while also preparing health and social systems for the growing ageing population and number of people that will require supports.
By supporting caregivers, advancing system readiness, integrated models of care and centring care within communities, IFA works to reduce the impact of dementia and build more sustainable, resilient societies. It also advocates for the inclusion of brain health within noncommunicable disease strategies, recognizes it as a core component of sensory health, and bridges ageing, health, and social agendas, positioning brain health as key to healthy ageing and longevity.

Resource Spotlight

Centring the Voices of Caregivers

Centring the Voices of Caregivers

Care partners and people living with dementia have unique and varied life experiences. IFA interviewed dementia caregivers to amplify lived experiences, highlighting diverse needs, support gaps, and the importance of inclusive responsive policies and resources.

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Explore all IFA publications, tools, and learning resources.

Global Ageing Policy

Global Ageing Policy

On 5 January 2026, U.S. federal health officials announced major changes to the childhood immunisation schedule, moving several vaccines, including rotavirus, influenza,...

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