In observation of World Brain Day on 22 July, Dr Patty Francis, President of the Neurological Association of South Africa, shares 10 strategies for protecting brain health.
In South Africa, one in every 100 people are affected by epilepsy, two South Africans suffer a stroke every 10 minutes of every day, and around 4-8% suffer from Dementia.
Dr Patty Francis, President of the Neurological Association of South Africa, says neurological disorders are preventable through early detection and effective management.
“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 and World Brain Day mission,” says Dr Francis.
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Brain health is linked to lifestyle
The key to managing neurological diseases, says Dr Francis, comes down to lifestyle.
“The most important aspect of managing neurological diseases is our choice of lifestyle. By prioritising a healthy lifestyle, people can protect their brain health which is essential for healthy cognitive, emotional and social skills. Optimising brain health ought to begin early in life and remain a focal health priority throughout one’s entire life,” she says.
Dr Francis says medical treatment of hypertension, diabetes, depression, arrhythmia, and elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, can improve the risk of strokes and dementia.
“Inactivity, alcohol intake, smoking, and diets high in fat and processed foods, and lack of sleep, increase our risk. Almost everyone can protect themselves from the devastating impact of neurological disease by making small improvements,” says Dr Francis.
She adds that brain health is essential for brain skills which are in turn central to the development of brain capital and the brain economy.
“Brain capital includes the creativity, knowledge and skills that individuals accrue and develop during their lifetime, which enable them to fulfill potential and contribute productively to their local economy and society at large.”
8 ways to protect your brain health, according to an expert
Dr Francis suggests implementing the following strategies to protect your brain’s health:
1. Stay socially connected
Maintain strong social ties (in person, not online) to improve cognitive function and emotional well-being.
2. Avoid alcohol and stop smoking
Smoking damages neurons (brain cells) and alcohol consumption can lead to memory impairment and cognitive decline.
3. Stay hydrated
Water provides the brain with energy just as it nourishes the body.
4. Exercise regularly
Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, promotes new brain cell growth and enhances cognitive function
5. Prioritise sleep
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support memory consolidation, information processing and toxin removal in the brain.
6. Eat a balanced diet
Fuel 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 like deep breathing, contemplation, prayer and daily periods of “no screen time”.
8. Breathe clean air
Minimise, as far as possible, time spent in highly polluted environments. By simply taking a 15-20 minute walk in fresh air fulfils many of the brain-effective recommendations listed above.
To raise awareness of brain health and disease prevention, the World Federation of Neurology will host a public webinar on 22 July at 12.00 GMT. The event is free to attend with 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 was adapted from a press release issued by Jigsaw PR.
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Feature Image: Unsplash / Milad Fakurian
