Canada Must Act Now to Address the Brain Health Emergency

Urgent action is needed to combat the health, social and economic impacts of neurological and mental health disorders facing all Canadians — from childhood to old age.

This September, as world leaders gather for the 79th United Nations (UN) General Assembly, focus will intensify on an urgent global health challenge: the escalating burden of neurological and mental health conditions. Brain health now stands alongside pandemic preparedness and climate change as a pressing global priority, given its profound impact on societal well-being and economic stability.

Globally, neurological disorders will affect one in three people, and mental health disorders will impact one in two over their lifetimes. These conditions are the leading cause of illness and disability worldwide, yet many of them go undiagnosed, with limited treatments and practically no cures.

Canada is not immune to this crisis. An aging population and mental health challenges compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic have brought us to the brink of a brain health emergency. To combat this, Canada must commit to the brain health of our nation by launching a comprehensive national response, starting with addressing the fundamental causes of neurological and mental health disorders at their earliest stages.

Brain Health: A lifespan issue

“Brain health” encompasses emotional, behavioral, and cognitive well-being. Challenges — in the form of neurological disorders, brain injuries, mental illnesses and addiction — not only disrupt a person’s thinking, emotions, movement, and behavior but can reach into the heart of who we are, changing our identities and social lives.

Brain conditions strike at every stage of life. In Canada, over 400,000 children under 14 face neurodevelopmental disabilities, and nearly half of all serious mental health conditions begin by age 14. This has serious implications for healthcare, education and economic vitality. In early adulthood, conditions such as multiple sclerosis, which disproportionately affects Canadians, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can emerge to cause lifelong disability. Dementia, typically diagnosed after age 65, is expected to affect nearly one million Canadians by 2030, a 65% increase from 2020. Focusing on brain health throughout the lifespan – from child development to aging – shifts the emphasis from managing diseases to preventing them from developing in the first place.

Brain health challenges rarely exist in isolation. Neurological and mental health conditions often overlap, making diagnoses more difficult and treatments less effective. For example, someone with Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease may also struggle with depression or anxiety, intensifying both their emotional and physical suffering. However, emerging research is uncovering shared common mechanisms, offering hope that advances in understanding one disorder may inform treatments for others. To seize this opportunity, unifying research efforts that focus on the interconnectedness of brain conditions is essential.

The economic and social costs

Brain and mental health conditions threaten Canada’s productivity, inflate healthcare costs and strain social support systems. Dementia alone cost the Canadian economy $40 billion in 2020, projected to rise to $65 billion by 2030 and $110 billion by 2050. Mental health conditions also add another $50 billion annually.

The impact on productivity is alarming. The OECD estimates that brain disorders drain up to $8.5 trillion annually from the global economy, a figure expected to rise as populations age. In 2020, caregiving for people with dementia in Canada resulted in $22 billion in lost productivity, while mental health conditions cost businesses over $6 billion in 2011 alone.

With Canadian productivity already in decline, there is no room for complacency on brain health. Delaying dementia onset by just 10 years could reduce its economic burden by 70%. Every advance in understanding the brain — whether through mapping its complexities or developing new therapies — brings us closer to alleviating the tremendous burden brain disorders place on individuals, families, and the nation.

Responding to Canada’s brain health emergency

How should Canadian leaders respond?

First and foremost, the response to this crisis must match its scale. Despite the widespread impact of brain health conditions, funding remains severely lacking. On average, countries allocate just 2% of their annual health care budgets to mental health, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In Canada, the 2019 Dementia Strategy highlighted a research funding target of 1% of dementia care costs, an international benchmark that remains unmet. To address the growing demand for effective treatments and support, Canada must urgently enhance its funding for brain research and health to ensure timely and effective solutions.

Our government plays a critical role in supporting the brain health of Canadians by ensuring a close connection between research and healthcare. While healthcare is managed provincially, the federal government can drive improvements by investing in research — from foundational science to clinical applications and practical implementation — and embedding it into every facet of our healthcare system.

For example, research initiatives like Mapping Connections have laid the groundwork for understanding the prevalence and impact of neurological conditions. New data collection efforts are needed to go beyond the basics and uncover additional insights, such as the socioeconomic factors that shape brain health outcomes. This is not just about gathering information; it’s about applying it to inform policy, improve healthcare, set new research directions, and develop better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Putting data to work can ensure that future brain health policies are not only evidence-based but also tailored to the unique challenges and needs of all Canadians.

Research also fuels innovation and improvement; as science advances our fundamental understanding of brain conditions, it drives breakthroughs that enhance prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. By investing in brain research, we can shift Canada from a reactive “sick care” system to a proactive healthcare model focused on prevention, early intervention, and health across the lifespan.

The call for bold leadership in brain health

The time for action is now. In 2023, the UN and WHO declared brain health and mental health fundamental human rights. Canada’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Canada Health Act, and recent national accessibility legislation demands immediate, decisive action. Investing in brain research and prioritizing data-driven policies will not only address pressing health challenges but also set a precedent for future generations. Bold leadership is required — not only to acknowledge these rights but to advance them through informed, impactful decisions.

This editorial reflects the key insights and diverse perspectives shared during a panel discussion organized by the Canadian Brain Research Strategy, featuring experts in brain research and mental health. The content is a synthesis of their contributions and opinions.