Preventing illness

How to keep your brain healthy and fit

Brain function can be impaired by many influences.

(Bild: thinkstockphotos.de)

It is estimated that 90 percent of strokes, 40 percent of dementia and 30 percent of epilepsy could be avoided through appropriate preventative measures, as reported on the occasion of the recent "World Brain Day". 

Neurological diseases are the third most common cause of disability and premature death after cancer and heart disease. "It is important for brain health to establish appropriate measures in everyday life," explains Prof. Dr. Peter Schnider, Medical Director at LK Hochegg and Head of the Department of Neurology at LK Wr. 

Corresponding measures include, for example, daily exercise sessions in schools and the promotion of teaching content that focuses on a healthy brain. Sufficient physical activity is a key factor in the prevention of neurological diseases. This leads to a significant increase in blood flow to the brain, which can also improve thought processes in the short and long term.

How to protect your brain
Consideration must also be given to measures that can further reduce minor and serious brain injuries, such as mandatory helmets for e-scooters, e-bikes, etc. In addition to the known consequences of severe brain injuries, repeated minor brain injuries should not be underestimated, as they can often lead to neurodegenerative diseases or epilepsy years later.

Danger of environmental pollutants
Dr. Schnider: "The importance of pesticides for the increase in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's should not be underestimated. A rethink and open discourse in all areas of our society would be useful here." From a neurology perspective, this was not sufficiently recognized in the recent discussion regarding the reduction of pesticide exposure and the glyphosate ban. 

Everyone can do something for their brain health
Individuals also have a role to play in their own brain prevention. A healthy Mediterranean diet with olive oil, fish and a focus on plant-based protein helps to prevent strokes and neurological degenerative diseases. Meat consumption is not prohibited, but should be reduced to smaller quantities.

Sugar is bad for the gray cells
Our diet contains too much sugar. Sugar is hidden in many drinks and foods. Although it is a vital fuel for the brain, here too the "dose makes the poison". Excessively high blood sugar levels lead to vascular damage, atherosclerosis and diabetes. Constant hyperglycemia of the brain has also been shown to impair brain performance. 

Swapping good fat for bad
The high content of saturated fatty acids in many foods also leads to increasing arteriosclerosis or hypertension, which in turn leads to diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Instead, opt for high-quality vegetable fats. 

Combat high blood pressure
Every second person after the age of 60 has high blood pressure, which often remains undetected and untreated. However, we know that patients with inadequately controlled blood pressure have a 40 % higher risk of developing dementia. However, if blood pressure is adequately controlled, this risk can be significantly reduced. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption also represent an underestimated risk of neurological diseases.