7 Things To Keep In Mind On World Brain Day
Neurological disorders contribute massively and increasingly to the global burden of disease with at least one in three people being diagnosed with a neurological disorder in their lifetime.
The main conditions are stroke, dementia and headaches. In the developed world, neurological diseases are a leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death.
Moreover, the costs of neurological disorders to health care systems and society are immense and increasing with a European study estimating the cost to be about €300 billion per year.
In 2019, the costs of dementia were estimated to represent about 1.5% of the world gross domestic product (GDP).
Neurological societies in Europe and worldwide have recognised the need for a paradigm shift in the way we look at neurological disorders, shifting focus from diagnosis and treatment to prevention as well as strategies to preserve brain health and promote brain recovery after brain damage. Studies have shown that up to 40% of dementias and 50% of strokes are potentially preventable, with several interventions having been shown to work.
What is brain health?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines brain health as the promotion of optimal brain development, cognitive health and well-being for all across the life course.
Essentially, this means how we can keep our brain healthy to prevent neurological diseases and enhance the lives of those who already have a neurological condition, both on a personal level as well as a society.
And now here’s 7 points to keep your brain healthy:
1. Physical exercise
Exercise is important for our general health which positively affects our brain health. The WHO recommends 150-300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week. People who
exercise regularly have a lower risk of strokes as well as a lower risk of developing
Alzheimer’s disease. Exercise also improves mobility and quality of life in those with existing neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.
2. Food and nutrition
You are what you eat. Better diet improves overall health as well as protects and enhances brain functioning.
3. Control of medical risk factors including smoking
Making sure your blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol levels and depression are being
medically controlled decreases your risk of developing a stroke or dementia in the future. Smoking and obesity are also major risk factors for neurological diseases. Seek help from your GP or smoking cessation clinics/services.
4. Sleep and relaxation
Rest well! Sleep improves cognitive functioning and enhances your immune system.
5. Social interaction
No man is an island. Spending time with people and having healthy social interactions is important to prevent cognitive decline and improves mood and brain health.
6. Mental fitness
Use it or lose it! Keeping an active mind is as important as physical activity in prevention of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease.
7. Our environment
Environmental crises can have deleterious effects on the brain. Natural environments can help attention, creativity and cognitive functioning, as well as reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Do you keep your brain active and healthy?
This is a guest post from MANNS reflecting the European Academy of Neurology Brain Health Strategy “One brain. One life. One approach.”
Share this today on World Brain Day