Brain Health is Determined by Lifestyle, Not Age!

This year's World Brain Day theme for July 22 is “Brain Health at Every Age.” Because the brain requires care not only as we age, but at every stage of life.
This theme, determined by the World Federation of Neurology, reminds us that brain health is not only an issue specific to old age; it is a very important issue that needs attention at every stage of life.

Yeditepe University Hospitals Neurology Specialist Prof. Dr. Canan Aykut BİNGÖL said the following on the subject:
"Brain health is not only an issue to be considered when forgetfulness starts. From development in the womb to childhood, from adulthood to old age, our brain needs protection in every period. Because our brain is the center of our lives: it thinks, makes decisions, manages our emotions, remembers and learns. Its health directly affects our quality of life."

Lifestyle is the Most Powerful Medicine for Brain Health!

According to global data, one out of every two people in the world today will experience a neurological disease at some point in their lives. These diseases include many different problems such as epilepsy, migraine, stroke, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, attention deficit and autism.
Yeditepe University Hospitals Neurology Specialist Prof. Dr. Canan Aykut BİNGÖL made the following assessment on the subject:
"Children, young people, adults, the elderly... Each age group faces different risks. What we call brain health is not only a treatment process that comes into play when a disease occurs; on the contrary, it is the ability to prevent these diseases before they occur. And this skill is directly related to our daily life habits."

6 Recommendations to Protect Brain Health

Yeditepe University Hospitals Neurology Specialist Prof. Dr. Canan Aykut BİNGÖL makes the following recommendations for a healthy brain:

Nutrition: "A Mediterranean-type diet based on natural foods is a brain-friendly choice. Colorful vegetables, fruits, fish, olive oil, walnuts and whole grains protect both our body and mind."
Movement: "Even 30 minutes of brisk walking every day increases blood flow to the brain. This has a positive effect on learning, attention and memory."
Sleep: "The brain regenerates itself during sleep. The ideal for adults is 7-8 hours of uninterrupted, quality sleep every night."
Stress Management: "Stress is the enemy of the brain. We cannot completely eliminate it from our lives, but we can learn to manage it. Deep breathing, spending time in nature, doing something you love are effective in this regard."
Mental Activity: "The brain atrophies if it is not used. Reading books, solving puzzles, learning a new skill helps keep the brain alive."
Social Relations: "Human is a social being. Spending time with loved ones, chatting and laughing together nourishes not only the soul but also the mind."

Brain health should be supported differently at every age!

Prof. Dr. Aykut BİNGÖL points out that each age has different needs in terms of brain health: 
"In infancy, a healthy pregnancy process and a safe birth are very important for brain development. In childhood, a protective environment and a qualified education system support brain development. In adolescence, psychological support is needed to ensure emotional balance, while healthy living habits come to the fore in adulthood. In older ages, strengthening social ties and regular health checks contribute to the protection of brain health."

Brain Health Should Be a Life Priority!

Prof. Dr. Canan Aykut BİNGÖL drew attention to the importance of brain health with the following words:
"Brain health is not a luxury, but a life priority. Everyone, at any age, can take good care of their brain with small but effective steps in their own lives. The steps we take today determine our mental health both today and in the future. On the occasion of World Brain Day, I invite everyone to think and act on this issue."