Author: Dr Mosunmoluwa Obashoro/ Every year, 22nd July is recognised globally as World Brain Day. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about the diseases that affect the brain. While many other diseases affecting the body are easily identifiable, neurological diseases—affecting the brain and spinal cord—are often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or overlooked.

Neurological diseases, especially neurodegenerative ones, are on the rise globally, largely due to an increase in the number of documented cases in recent years. A 2021 study published in Lancet Neurology said that about 3 billion people in the world are living with a neurological condition. These conditions contribute significantly to the disability-adjusted life years of affected individuals.

Neurological diseases can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including trauma (from a fall or accident), genetic predisposition, or lifestyle factors. If not detected in time, these diseases can cause serious damage to individuals and their families. Examples include stroke, meningitis, brain abscess, epilepsy, headaches, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Many neurological diseases have definitive treatments and can be managed by trained medical professionals. The cause of the disease often guides how the disease should be managed. The duration of symptoms also plays an important role in the disease prognosis. While some diseases have a genetic component and cannot be entirely prevented, certain interventions can help slow their progression. As genetic testing for these diseases is very scarce and expensive, especially on this side of the world, preventive interventions will be helpful to everyone.

There are several ways to keep the brain sharp and healthy as it slows down when the effects of ageing set in. The following are some practical tips to keep your brain sharp:

Physical activity

Physical activity is preventive against so many diseases. Studies have shown that a simple 30-minute exercise plan can help slow down the progression of these neurodegenerative diseases. Find an activity you enjoy, and do it regularly.

Listening to music

Stimulating music improves cognitive function, which is ultimately good for the brain. Music, in combination with a daily 30-minute physical activity, is very beneficial to the brain and is also fun to do. So, put on your favourite playlist and get moving.

Learning a new skill

Picking up a new hobby challenges the brain positively and improves retention and memory. Skills like knitting, sewing, changing a tyre, or riding a bicycle are inexpensive and beneficial to your brain.

Learning to play a musical instrument

Listening to music is one thing, but learning to make or play music is another. Picking up any new skill requires consistency and grit. Learning a musical instrument helps improve cognitive function, learning, retention, and memory, all essential for neurological health.

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Getting adequate sleep

Sleep experts recommend an average of eight hours of uninterrupted sleep for adults and a minimum of ten hours for children every day. Quality sleep gives the body the necessary time it needs to rest and recuperate.

Healthy eating

Eating a balanced diet at least twice daily is very beneficial for general and brain health. Foods that are good for cognitive function include leafy greens like ugwu, nuts like walnuts, whole grains like wheat bread, boiled eggs, and tea or coffee. Always consult a doctor before taking supplements.

Brain-stimulating games

This is a fun, educational, and inexpensive hobby to incorporate into one’s daily lifestyle. Brain-stimulating games help keep the brain active—even while at rest—and can delay the onset of degenerative brain diseases. It is advised for all people, particularly older people, to play games like Sudoku, Chess, Crossword puzzles, Jigsaw puzzles, board games like Scrabble, Monopoly, Ludo, and Word search games. They are easy to create or find in bookstores, mobile application stores, and online, where you can play, download and print
them.

To support the brain health of our readers, Guardian Life will publish a puzzle in the magazine each weekend. So, look out for it!