According to WHO, good brain health is a state in which every individual can realize their own abilities and optimize their cognitive, emotional, psychological and behavioural functioning to cope with life situations.An individual’s lifestyle has a profound impact on his or her brain health. Growing evidence now suggests that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits. A balanced and healthy diet low in oils and fats and abundant in fruits and vegetables is known to be beneficial. Research has found a decreased risk of cognitive decline and dementia in people who consume increased quantities of green leafy vegetables such as lettuce, collard, spinach and kale," says Dr Jyoti Bala Sharma, Director & HOD - Neurology Fortis Hospital, Noida.
Here are some important lifestyle changes that can help prevent brain disorders:
Regular exercise
Regular physical activity of 30 minutes 5 times a week is a part of living a healthy life. It not only keeps our bodies healthy but also helps our brain to improve its thinking, learning, problem solving and emotional skills. Regular exercise improves memory and decreases anxiety, depression and dementia. One study found that cognitive decline is twice as common among adults who are inactive compared to those who are active.
Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep
Sleep is the foundation of our mental health and bed time is akin to restoration time for our brains. Lack of sleep is linked to an increased incidence of weight gain, hypertension and diabetes - all risk factors for cerebrovascular accidents.
Significance Of The Day
According to figures put out by the World Federation of Neurology, over 2.8 million people, belonging to all ages, are living with multiple sclerosis. In several parts of the world, there is no access to treatment and trained healthcare professionals. And therefore, it's all the more significant to have days such as World Brain Day, which is dedicated to raising awareness for MS, its impact on individuals living with it, their families as well as society. Not just that, the objective is to improve access to quality neurological care and life-changing treatments.
Brain disorders affect billions of people worldwide and are the leading cause of disability," explained Prof. Tissa Wijeratne, World Brain Day Co-Chair. "Better brain health starts with an increased awareness of what it means to maintain a healthy brain and a global understanding of the brain's important role for humanity."
The primary pillars of this year's World Brain Day are awareness, prevention, advocacy, education and access.
Awareness: Brain health is vital for mental, social and physical well-being.
Prevention: Many brain diseases are preventable.
Advocacy: Global efforts are required for optimal brain health.
Education: Education is key to brain health for all.
Access: Equitable access to resources, treatment and rehabilitation is essential for brain health.
"Together, we can inspire action, strive for better resources and access, and drive policy change through the power of information," said David Dodick, MD, Emeritus Professor of Neurology at Mayo Clinic and World Brain Day Co-Chair. "There is so much more that can be done on the individual, community and global levels to optimize the health of the brain and minimize the personal, family and societal impact that brain disorders are causing."
WFN will use World Brain Day to spread awareness by asking people around the world to promote Brain Health for All through the use of the hashtags #WorldBrainDay, #WBD2022 and #BrainHeathforAll.
"Brain health for all has never been more imperative," said Prof. Grisold, President of WFN, "To ensure brain health for all, we need to highlight the need for quality neurology and brain health globally by supporting the implementation of national health policies preventing brain disorders and ensuring access to appropriate and timely diagnosis, treatment and care for everyone.
The annual World Brain Day takes place on July 22 and is devoted to a different topic each year. The choice of date was no coincidence: WFN was founded on July 22, 1957. Now, in its 65th year of existence, WFN is focusing its 2022 efforts on fighting all brain disorders and bringing recognition to how disabling they can be.
WFN is committed to being a leader in brain health advocacy. In 2021, WFN created the Brain Health Initiative. Building on that momentum by continuing to share the importance of brain health is key to making an impact on a global scale. This year's message will show the world just how important brain health is for our overall health.
"Last year, as a foundation for global advocacy around brain health, WFN launched the Brain Health Initiative," said Prof. Grisold. "Now, we look forward to expanding that initiative to a global effort that shares the importance of brain health for all."
Calling attention to this complex organ will emphasize the importance of the brain and its essential role in controlling every aspect of collective human life. Together, we can achieve Brain Health for All.
About the World Federation of Neurology
With support from its 123 national neurological Member Societies, the World Federation of Neurology fosters quality neurology and brain health worldwide by promoting neurological education and training, emphasizing under-resourced areas of the world.
As a non-state actor in official relations, WFN supports the World Health Organization (WHO) efforts to give everyone an equal chance to live a healthy life.
Dedicate some time for relaxation
Increased stress levels are linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Reduction of stress levels can be accomplished by having a good daily routine, reducing work place altercations and seeking professional help where and when required.
Say no to smoking
It has been found that smokers have a thinner cerebral cortex than non smokers. The cerebral cortex is the part of brain responsible for thinking and reasoning skills. Some of these changes may be reversible to an extent if one quits early.
Avoid chronic diseases or manage them well
Optimal management of pre-existing diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity can also help in preventing a further decline in our brain health by decreasing the risk of strokes.
Connect with others
In the era of Covid, we have been unable to interact with each other. This lack of social communication and c
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