Brain Awareness Week 2026: Events in France Focus on Psychedelics, Pain, and Alzheimer’s Prevention

This year’s Brain Awareness Week, running from March 5th to 21st, features a series of events across France dedicated to exploring the latest advancements in neuroscience. From the therapeutic potential of psychedelics to innovative approaches to pain management and Alzheimer’s prevention, the program offers insights for both researchers and the public.

Psychedelics, Brain, and Consciousness

The week kicks off on March 5th at 7 p.m. At CASF Bisch’art in Bischwiller with a conference titled “Psychedelics, brain and consciousness: what science reveals to us.” Lola Welsch, a doctor in neuroscience and scientific mediator from the Jardin des sciences, will lead the discussion, tracing the history of psychedelics and examining their evolving perception as both revolutionary and potentially dangerous substances. The conference will focus on the renewed interest in their therapeutic applications. CASF Bischwiller Facebook Page, CASF Bischwiller Contact Information

New Approaches to Pain Management

On March 16th at 3 p.m., the University Palace of Strasbourg will host a lecture by Hervé Cadiou, a lecturer in neuroscience, on the topic “My worm hurts: planarians to discover new painkillers?” The presentation will explore how research on planarians – a type of flatworm known for its regenerative abilities – could lead to the development of novel pharmacological agents capable of blocking pain neuron activation and offering new avenues for analgesia.

Exploring the Strasbourg Biomedicine Research Center

From March 21st, the Strasbourg Biomedicine Research Center (1 rue Eugène Boeckel) will open its doors for a day of workshops, guided tours (reservations required), and access to information stands from various associations. Workshops designed for those aged 10 and up, along with conferences focusing on addiction, memory, and pain, will be offered from 9:45 a.m. To 12 p.m. And from 2 p.m. To 5 p.m.

Alzheimer’s Prevention: A Guide to Reducing Risk

Brain Awareness Week also highlights the importance of preventative measures against Alzheimer’s disease. Each year, approximately 225,000 new cases of Alzheimer’s are diagnosed in France, with women accounting for two-thirds of those affected. Research indicates that the brain begins to age from around age 30, but lifestyle factors can significantly impact cognitive health.

Researchers have identified fourteen modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, including high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, lower educational attainment, hearing loss, smoking, depression, social isolation, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, air pollution, head trauma, vision loss, and high cholesterol. Addressing these factors could potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia by as much as 45%. A free guide to Alzheimer’s prevention, outlining these factors and offering practical advice, is available for download from Alzheimer Research Foundation.

More Information

The complete program for Brain Awareness Week can be found at Semaine du Cerveau.