According to Professor Tissa Wijeratne, World Brain Day Co-Chair, “Brain disorders affect billions of people worldwide and are the leading cause of disability. Better brain health starts with an increased awareness of what it means to maintain a healthy brain and a global understanding of the brain’s important role for humanity.”
There are different brain disorders that can be caused by illness, genetics or injury. Brain disorders can affect anyone and risk factors are different for different types of brain disorders. According to the Brain Foundation, brain disorders include Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, Stroke, Migraines, Parkinson’s Disease, Autism, Multiple Sclerosis and Stroke amongst others.
To keep your brain as healthy as possible, the Brain Foundation recommends the following:
- Continually challenge your brain by learning something new such as a new sport or language. Swap the television for a book, play games that involve memory (like bridge) or thinking ahead (like chess).
- Enjoy a healthy diet
- Exercise your body daily
- Drink alcohol in moderation
- Be safe: wear a helmet, drive safely, take any head injury seriously
- Learn to manage stress and depression
- Relax and sleep well
- Have regular checks for blood pressure, diabetes, heart rate, cholesterol
- Do not smoke or use illegal drugs
Leafy greens to omega-rich fish: Your handy guide to the best brain foods
