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Brain/Nervous System

brain
The brain and nervous system are responsible for essential body functions, such as breathing, heart rate, sensory information processing, and motor actions. The brain is the communication and control center for the body and is responsible for higher mental functions such as memory, planning, problem solving, and attention. Vision processing and emotional regulation are also housed in the brain.

Why It's Important

Injuries to and diseases of the brain or nervous system can seriously impact day-to-day functioning of individuals in areas such as movement, speech, emotional regulation, memory, and cognition.

What's Known

There are numerous types of neurological diseases and injuries, including:
  • A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.1
  • Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, irreversible brain disorder caused by damage to nerve cells in the brain.2
  • Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.3
  • While childhood cancer is rare, cancers of the brain and central nervous system (CNS) are the second most common type of childhood cancers (ages 0-19) and represent 16% of all cancers in this age group.4
  • Spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the bundle of nerves and nerve fibers that sends and receives signals from the brain.5
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Penetrating injuries to the head, such as from a gunshot, can cause moderate to severe TBI.6
1. About Stroke. CDC. 10/24/24.
2. About Alzheimer's. CDC. 8/15/24.
3. Parkinson's Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. National Institute on Aging. 4/14/22.
4. Childhood Brain and Other Nervous System Cancer. National Cancer Institute. 12/13/24.
5. Spinal Cord Injury. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 10/29/24.
6. Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion. CDC. 5/16/24.

Who's at Risk

  • Risk factors for stroke include previous stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and sickle cell disease.7
  • Known risk factors for dementia include lack of physical activity, uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, hearing loss, and tobacco and alcohol use.8
  • Risk factors for SCI and TBI include age (those aged 16-30 years or 65 years and older are at highest risk), alcohol use, certain diseases, or not wearing proper gear, such as a seat belt or protective sports equipment.9,10
7. Risk Factors for Stroke. CDC. 5/15/24.
8. Reducing Risk for Dementia. CDC. 8/27/24.
9. Who is more likely to get a spinal cord injury? National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 10/30/24.
10. Preventing TBI. CDC. 5/16/24.

How to Reduce Risk

  • To reduce the risk of stroke, eat a heart healthy diet, get regular physical activity, reduce alcohol consumption, and quit smoking.11
  • To reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, stay physically activity, prevent or manage diabetes, control blood pressure, prevent or correct hearing loss, and limit or quit drinking alcohol and smoking.12
  • To reduce the risk of SCI and TBI, always wear a seat belt, never drink and drive, always wear a helmet and other appropriate protective gear when playing sports or engaging in similar activities, and make your home safe for children and older adults.13
11. Risk Factors for Stroke. CDC. 5/15/24.
12. Reducing Risk for Dementia. CDC. 8/27/24.
13. Preventing TBI. CDC. 5/16/24.

How It's Tracked

Other Data and Information Resources

New Jersey Department of Health

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services