Picking your brain this World Brain Day
Learn how you can support and better your brain health.
World Brain Day, an annual event celebrated on July 22, is dedicated to increasing awareness about brain health and neurological disorders.
Organised by the World Federation of Neurology (WFN), in collaboration with various health organisations worldwide, this day highlights the importance of brain health and encourages advancement. Although brain disorders are emphasised worldwide across all ages, sex, and socio-economies, more than 70% of neurological diseases are prevalent in low-to-middle-income countries and are the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for nine million deaths per year.
Dr Patty Francis, president of the Neurological Association of South Africa, said neurological disorders are preventable through early detection and effective management. Still, not all patients have equal access to early detection and effective management.
“Socioeconomic status or geographic location should not be barriers to prevention. In South Africa, the treatment gap is exasperated by severe staff and resource shortages. The ratio of neurologists to the population in South Africa is 1 per 500 000, compared to 35 per 500 000 population in high-income countries, limiting access to medication, knowledge, and preventative care programs which leads to misperceptions, stigma, lowered living standards, and preventable death,” Patty said.
According to Patty, inactivity, alcohol intake, smoking, 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. She further adds that disabilities associated with neurological conditions disproportionately affect women, older people, those living in poverty and rural or remote areas, and other vulnerable populations. Children from underprivileged households, indigenous populations, and ethnic minorities are also at significantly higher risk of experiencing disability associated with neurological conditions.
“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 should begin early in life and remain a focal health priority throughout life,” she elaborated.
She advised people to maintain their brain health by exercising, managing stress, eating a balanced diet, prioritising sleep, and more.
