8 Ways to Protect Your Brain Health

To mark World Brain Day on July 22, Dr Patty Francis, President of the Neurological Association of South Africa, shares 10 strategies to protect your brain health.

In South Africa, one in 100 people suffer from epilepsy, two South Africans suffer from a stroke every 10 minutes and approximately 4-8% suffer from dementia.

According to Dr. Patty Francis, President of the Neurological Association of South Africa, neurological disorders are preventable through early detection and effective treatment.

“Healthcare professionals, researchers and policymakers play a critical role in addressing the global neurological needs. Recognizing brain health as a fundamental human right is at the heart of our mission and that of World Brain Day,” said Dr. Francis.

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Brain health is linked to lifestyle

According to Dr. Francis, the key to managing neurological disorders is a matter of lifestyle.

“The most important aspect of managing neurological diseases is our lifestyle choices. By prioritizing a healthy lifestyle, people can protect their brain health, which is essential for healthy cognitive, emotional, and social skills. Optimizing brain health should start early in life and remain a central health priority throughout a person’s life,” she says.

According to Dr. Francis, medical treatment for hypertension, diabetes, depression, heart rhythm disorders, and elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels can reduce the risk of stroke and dementia.

“Inactivity, alcohol consumption, smoking, diets high in fat and processed foods, and lack of sleep all increase our risk. Virtually everyone can protect themselves from the devastating impact of neurological diseases by making small improvements,” says Dr. Francis.

She adds that brain health is essential for brain skills, which in turn are crucial for the development of brain capital and the brain economy.

“Brain capital comprises the creativity, knowledge and skills that individuals acquire and develop throughout their lives, enabling them to fulfil their potential and contribute productively to their local economy and society as a whole.”

8 Ways to Protect Your Brain Health, According to an Expert

Dr. Francis recommends implementing the following strategies to protect your brain health:

1. Stay socially connected

Maintain strong social connections (in person, not online) to improve your cognitive function and emotional well-being.

2. Avoid alcohol and quit smoking

Smoking damages neurons (brain cells) and alcohol use can lead to memory loss and cognitive decline.

3. Stay hydrated

Water provides energy to the brain, just as it nourishes the body.

4. Exercise regularly

Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, promotes the growth of new brain cells and improves cognitive function

5. Prioritize sleep

Make sure you get 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night. This supports memory consolidation, information processing and the removal of toxins in the brain.

6. Eat a balanced diet

Feed your brain with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats for optimal cognitive function.

7. Manage stress

Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, contemplation, prayer, and daily periods of “no screen time.”

8. Breathe clean air

Minimize, as much as possible, the time you spend in highly polluted environments. Simply walking for 15-20 minutes in the fresh air will meet many of the above recommendations for effective brain health.

To raise awareness about brain health and disease prevention, the World Federation of Neurology will host a public webinar on July 22 at 12:00 GMT. The event is free to attend and will feature experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Stroke Organization. Anyone can register for the event by visiting https://wfneurology.org/world-brain-day-2024

This article is an adaptation of a press release from Jigsaw PR.

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Main image: Unsplash / Milad Fakurian