Don’t ignore your brain: Simple lifestyle changes to dodge neurological disorders
There are simple and effective ways to prevent neurological disorders. (Delmain Donson/Getty Images)
- World Brain Day is observed annually on 22 July to highlight the importance of healthy brain habits.
- While brain disorders are emphasised worldwide across all ages, sex and socio-economies, more than 70% of neurological diseases are prevalent in low-to-middle-income countries.
- Prioritising good brain health includes eating healthy food, avoiding alcohol and ensuring enough sleep daily.
- For more lifestyle news, go to the News24 Life front page.
World Brain Day aims to raise awareness of brain health and how neglecting yours could lead to preventable neurological disorders.
While poor brain health affects people from various walks of life, studies have shown that in lower to middle-income countries such as South Africa, neurological disorders are prevalent.
Here in South Africa:
- One in every 100 people is affected by epilepsy.
- Two South Africans suffer a stroke every 10 minutes of every day.
- Around 4-8% suffer from Dementia.
Dr Patty Francis, president of the Neurological Association of South Africa, emphasises that neurological diseases are preventable through early detection and effective management.
However, not all people have equal access to these services. In South Africa, the treatment gap is plagued by severe staff and resource shortages.
To circumvent this, Dr Francis shares: “Healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers play pivotal roles in addressing the global neurological needs. Recognising brain health as a fundamental human right is at the core of our World Brain Day mission.”
While treatment and information aren’t as readily available as they should be, prevention is better than cure.
Dr Francis shares:
The most important aspect of managing neurological diseases is our lifestyle choices. By prioritising a healthy lifestyle, people can protect their brain health, which is essential for healthy cognitive, emotional, and social skills. Optimising brain health should begin early in life and remain a focal health priority throughout life.
She also encourages people to prioritise exercise, avoid alcohol and fatty processed food, and get enough sleep.
“Almost everyone can protect themselves from the devastating impact of neurological disease by making minor improvements.”
She suggests implementing the following strategies to protect your brain’s health:
- Stay socially connected – maintain solid social ties (in person, not online) to improve cognitive function and emotional well-being.
- Avoid alcohol and stop smoking – smoking damages neurons (brain cells), and alcohol consumption can lead to memory impairment and cognitive decline.
- Stay hydrated
- Exercise regularly – physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, promotes new brain cell growth, and enhances cognitive function.
- Prioritise sleep – aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support memory consolidation, information processing and toxin removal in the brain.
- Eat a balanced diet – fuel your brain with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats for optimal cognitive function.
- Manage stress – practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, contemplation, prayer and daily periods of “no screen time”.
- Breathe clean air—minimise, as far as possible, time spent in highly polluted environments. Simply taking a 15-20-minute walk in fresh air fulfils many of the brain-effective recommendations listed above.
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