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Brain Awareness Week focuses attention on brain research

Our brain sets us apart from all other species by allowing us to achieve the wonders of walking on the moon and composing masterpieces of literature, art, and music. The human brain - a spongy, three-pound mass of fatty tissue - has been compared to a telephone switchboard and a supercomputer. But the brain is much more complicated than either of these devices, a fact scientists confirm almost daily, with each new discovery. This single organ controls all body activities, ranging from heart rate and sexual function to emotion, learning, and memory. It shapes our thoughts, hopes, dreams, and imaginations and determines who we are as a person.

Neuroscientists have the daunting task of deciphering the mystery of this most complex of all machines: how as many as a trillion nerve cells are produced, grow, and organize themselves into effective, functionally active systems that ordinarily remain in working order throughout a person's lifetime.

The motivation of researchers is twofold: to understand human behavior better - from how we learn to what drives us - and to discover ways to prevent, treat, or cure many devastating brain disorders such as anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, etc.

In the past decade, neuroscience has made significant discoveries in the areas of genetics, brain plasticity, psychiatric medication, imaging, cell death and brain development, which have resulted in a better understanding, early recognition and more effective treatment of brain disorders.

On March 12- 18th, Brain Awareness Week is celebrated worldwide. Brain Awareness Week is an annual celebration dedicated to raising public awareness of the progress, promise, and benefits of brain research. Hundreds of innovative public events and activities worldwide will bring the excitement of scientific progress to the general public. Coordinated by the European Dana Alliance for the Brain and the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives in the US, this campaign unites more than 1,875 partner organisations; including schools, universities, medical and research organisations, patient groups, and professional organisations in 62 countries.

More information:

  Learn about new hope for prevention, diagnosis and treatment by attending one of the Brain Awareness Week seminars or contact the Mental Health Information Centre for more information on this campaign

Tel: +27 (0) 21 938 9229

Email  mhic@sun.ac.za; winnie@sun.ac.za

Website: www.mentalhealthsa.co.za

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