The French do not know how to take care of their brain, according to the results of a BVA survey carried out online from December 8 to 14 by the Federation for Brain Research (FRC Neurodon)which decided this survey on the occasion of Brain Week, from March 12 to 18.
Respondents do not know the consequences of lifestyle on the health of this vital organ and lack information on the risks associated with the brain, particularly on the subject offood and stress.
The results of this survey reveal that the French “do not hear enough about the brain. It remains a neglected organ, which does not yet have the chance to know a simple slogan like + eat 5 fruits and vegetables a day +, a reference good practices”.
Indeed, the majority (78%) of respondents said that a unbalanced diet is a risk factor for heart and for the digestive systembut only 21% think it is also for the brain (against 77% of experts).
The survey also reveals that 87% and 76% of respondents know that a lack of physical activity harms the health of the heart and jointsbut only 27% imagine that the sedentary lifestyle impacts their brain health (compared to 77% of experts).
“Physical activity has been shown to have a protective effect on neurodegenerative diseases and brings a definite improvement to the sleepmood and cognitive functions,” said Jean-Marie Laurent, president of the FRC, in a press release. “In contrast, the chronic stress, exposure to pollutants, social isolationan ill-adapted diet represent risk factors”, he concludes.
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