10 Tips to Keep the Brain Healthy By Maimuna Katuka Aliyu

Neurology is a medical term that often refers to the brain. Brain health is the state of brain functioning across cognitive, sensory, social, emotional, behavioral and motor domains, allowing a person to realise their full potential over their life course, irrespective of the presence or absence of disorders.

Different determinants related to physical health, healthy environments, safety, security, life-long learning and social connection as well as access to quality services influence the way our brains develop, adapt and respond to stress and adversity.

Conditions affecting the brain and nervous system in general emerge throughout life and are characterised by disruptions in brain growth, damage to brain structure or impaired brain functioning.

Health and social care for these conditions require multisectoral and interdisciplinary collaborations with a holistic person centred approach focused on promotion, prevention, treatment, care and rehabilitation and the active engagement of persons with a life experience.
July 22 was celebrated as World Brain Day with the theme, “Brain Health and Prevention”. The theme encompasses the mission to address risk factors for neurological diseases proactively, emphasising the importance of early detection and effective management, and disseminate global education on prevention strategies.

With that in mind, below are ten tips to keep your brain healthy:

1. Lifestyle Choices: Prioritise sleep, stay physically active, engage socially, manage stress, eat brain-friendly foods such as walnuts, avoid alcohol, avoid drugs and quit smoking.

2. Care for your emotions: People who are anxious, depressed, sleep-deprived, or exhausted tend to score poorly on cognitive function tests. So, look after your emotions for a healthy brain.

3. Protect your head: One can have moderate to severe head injuries, even without diagnosed concussions. Help prevent an injury to your head by wearing a helmet for activities like biking, and wear a seatbelt. Protect yourself while playing sports.

4. Improve your blood sugar: Diabetes is an important risk factor for dementia. You can help prevent diabetes by eating right, exercising regularly, and staying lean to keep your brain sharp.

5. Get physical exercise: Research shows that using your muscles also helps your mind. Regular exercise increases the number of tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the region of the brain that is responsible for thought. Exercise also spurs the development of new nerve cells and increases the connections between brain cells (synapses).

6. Get mental stimulation: Brainy activities stimulate new connections between nerve cells and help the brain generate new cells, developing neurological “plasticity” and building up a functional reserve that provides a hedge against future cell loss. Any mentally stimulating activity should help to build up your brain. Read, take courses, try “mental gymnastics,” such as word puzzles or math problems, drawing, painting, and other crafts.

7. Remain socially involved: Social interaction helps ward off depression and stress, which can contribute to memory loss. Look for opportunities to connect with loved ones, friends and others, especially if you live alone. Research links solitary confinement to brain atrophy, so, remaining socially active has the opposite effect and strengthen the health of your brain.

8. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can impair cognitive function, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.

9. Limit screen time: Excessive screen time can lead to cognitive fatigue and decreased attention span.

10. Regular Checkups: Discuss brain health with your healthcare professional.

Lastly, a healthy brain is the key to a vibrant life. By incorporating these simple tips into your daily routine, we can unlock a sharper, healthier, and happier life.