WHO Tweeted That Many Factors Affect Brain Health Throughout Our Lives

Good brain health is a state in which every individual can realize their own abilities and optimize their cognitive, emotional, psychological and behavioural functioning to cope with life situations. Numerous interconnected social and biological determinants (incl. genetics) play a role in brain development and brain health from pre-conception through the end of life. These determinants influence how our brains develop, adapt and respond to stress and adversity, giving way to strategies for both promotion and prevention across the life course. The brain supports our ability to solve problems, remember past events, interact with the world around us, communicate with others, and move and feel different emotions.

A multitude of factors affects brain health throughout our lives. On the occasion of World Brain Day, the World Health Organisation tweeted about the many factors that affect brain health.

The risk factors that affect brain health are:

• Poor nutrition
• Inadequate sleep
• Lack of physical activity
• Genetics
• Traumatic injuries
• Infections
• Air, water, & food pollution

Brain health conditions emerge throughout life and are characterized by disruptions in normal brain growth or brain functioning. It is essential to be physically active, eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, stimulate our minds, look after our hearts and wear a helmet in order to protect our brain.

The global burden of neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions is high, with approximately 70% of the burden in low- and middle-income countries. Neurological conditions are the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for 9 million deaths per year.

Despite the large burden posed by brain health conditions, only 28% of low-income countries have a dedicated policy for neurological diseases in comparison with 64% of high-income countries. Available resources for these conditions are insufficient in most countries and the treatment gap for many neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions is unacceptably high. For example, in low- and middle-income countries, there are only three adult neurologists per 10 million people. In contrast, there are 4.75 adult neurologists per 100,000 people in high-income countries. There are even fewer resources for the assessment and care of children with neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions.

Over To You:
The brain is the most complex organ in the human body and we need to take good care of it by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.