NEW DELHI, Nov 18: Pondicherry University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prakash Babu emphasised the need to prioritise brain health from an early age by introducing neuroscience education at the school and college levels. He was addressing the inaugural session of the three-day International Conference on Sustainable Brain Health: Advances in Neurochemistry and Neuropharmacology, held in conjunction with the 39th Annual Meeting of the Society for Neurochemistry, India (SNCI), organised by JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysuru.
Highlighting the importance of brain health, Prof. Babu remarked, "Damage to other organs can often be managed, but when the brain is affected, everything is affected. Prevention is our strongest tool." With India's population ageing rapidly and the average lifespan nearing 78 years, he stressed that the nation must shift its focus from merely increasing lifespan to ensuring healthy longevity rooted in sound brain functioning.
He underlined the urgent need for research on biomarkers of brain ageing, mechanisms of neurodegeneration, and non-invasive diagnostic tools for the early detection of dementia. Early identification of at-risk individuals, he said, could significantly slow disease progression.
Prof. Prakash Babu commended SNCI for its sustained efforts in promoting neuroscience awareness through local chapters and international research collaborations. He also appreciated the Society's initiatives to nurture young neuroscientists through training programmes, collaborative projects, and global academic platforms.
He added that fundamental knowledge about brain health should be included in early education curricula so that young learners appreciate the importance of protecting the brain - the most vital organ of the human body.
The conference brought together 15 leading international experts from universities in the United States, Canada, and Malaysia, along with eminent. |
