To keep a healthy brain, a team of American neurologists lists a series of risk factors including sleep quality, physical exercise or food.
- American neurologists list the questions to ask to keep a brain healthy.
- Some risk factors threaten brain health as poor diet, insufficient sleep or the lack of physical exercise.
- They also cite mental health, global state of health or even social inequalities.
More than three billion people worldwide suffer from neurological disorders. This figure comes from a study published in The Lancet Neurology In 2021. However, some of these diseases could be detected earlier or even avoided with sufficient prevention. In an article published in NeurologyAmerican neurologists provide a list of risk factors, which must arouse the attention of patients and health professionals.
Sleep, food and physical exercise: lifestyle contributes to good brain health
According to these specialists, the first three questions to ask themselves are: do I sleep enough to feel rested? Is my diet sufficient and balanced? Do I manage to integrate physical exercise into my habits? These three factors can have effects on health, and that of the brain in particular. “”Sleeping is essential for brain development and maturity, and helps reduce brain aging, notably recalls the Brain research federation. Sleep contributes to the consolidation of memory and allows the brain to clean the waste and toxins accumulated during the day“According to the FRC, physical activity has an equally beneficial role: it promotes the proper functioning of the brain, improves mood, decreases the appearance of cognitive disorders and stimulates the renewal of neurons and the appearance of new connections Between them.
Social life and mental health: factors of good brain health
American neurologists also recommend wondering about psychic well-being. In case of mood, anxiety or stress disorders, it may be useful to talk about it with a doctor. Also, the quality of social interactions is important. “”Do you have regular contacts with close friends or family members, and do you receive enough support from people?“Asked these specialists.
Take care of your health to preserve your brain
The team of researchers also highlights the importance of taking into account the global state of health. For example, she advises to monitor blood pressure and any associated problems, but also risk factors such as cholesterol or blood sugar disorders. Vaccination must also be up to date to reduce the risk of infection. The genetic heritage also counts and family history of neurological diseases should be reported to the attending physician. Finally, trauma must be avoided to limit any risk of shock: safety belts by car, bicycle or motorcycle helmet, car seat for children, etc.
Inequalities: they can have consequences for brain health
“”Do you have concerns about housing, transport, access to care and medical insurance, or physical or emotional protection against dangers? “they come up. All these insecuritys can have consequences on global well-being and health.
Tobacco, alcohol and pollution: modifiable risk factors
Neurologists also call to question behaviors with negative health consequences. “”Do you smoke, do you drink more than one to two glasses per day or do you use over-the-counter medicines?,, they ask. Do you drink well water or live in a region where air or water is known to be polluted?“”
Discussing these risk factors and those previously mentioned with a health professional is important. “”Our article shows that there are many ways to improve the health of the brain individually “concludes the main author, Linda M. Selwa, of the University of Michigan and member of the American Academy of Neurology.
