By Maltiti Sayida Sadick & Kafui Dey
World Brain Day, observed annually on July 22, focuses on raising awareness and educating the public about neurological disorders and brain health. This year’s theme, “Brain Health and Prevention: Protecting Your Future,” emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy brain to prevent various neurological disorders.
On #GTVBreakfast, Kafui Dey engaged in an insightful discussion with two neurologists: Prof. Albert Akpalu, Consultant Neurologist at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, and Dr. Freda Dodd-Glover, also a Neurologist at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Significance of World Brain Day
Prof. Akpalu highlighted that World Brain Day serves as a crucial platform to bring attention to brain health. He emphasized that raising awareness about brain health is vital because it affects every aspect of our lives, from cognitive function to emotional well-being. Dr. Dodd-Glover added that understanding brain health can help in early detection and prevention of neurological disorders, ultimately improving quality of life.
Aim of This Year’s Theme: “Brain Health and Prevention: Protecting Your Future”
Dr. Dodd-Glover explained that this year’s theme aims to educate people on how to maintain a healthy brain through preventive measures. She stressed the importance of lifestyle choices in preventing brain-related issues and highlighted the need for regular check-ups and early interventions.
Brain Health and Neurological Disorders
Prof. Akpalu noted the direct connection between brain health and neurological disorders. He explained that a healthy brain reduces the risk of conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, and dementia. Dr. Dodd-Glover emphasized that mental health is intricately linked to brain health, and addressing mental health issues can significantly improve overall brain function.
Prioritizing Brain Health in Daily Life
Both experts provided practical advice on prioritizing brain health. Prof. Akpalu recommended regular physical activity, such as walking and climbing stairs, which promotes blood flow to the brain. He also advised a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and proteins while minimizing carbohydrates. Additionally, he stressed the importance of good sleep hygiene, suggesting 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Dr. Dodd-Glover echoed these sentiments and added the importance of maintaining social connections and healthy relationships for optimal brain health.
Impact of Lifestyle Choices on Brain Function
The neurologists discussed how lifestyle choices, including diet and physical activity, directly impact brain function and development. Prof. Akpalu expressed concern about children who spend excessive time on technology, potentially hindering their brain development. He suggested encouraging children to engage in physical and intellectual activities to support healthy brain growth.
Dispelling Common Misconceptions
Dr. Dodd-Glover addressed common misconceptions about brain health, such as the belief that aging inevitably leads to cognitive decline. She emphasized that engaging in brain-stimulating activities, such as learning new skills, can maintain and even improve brain function with age.
Messages for Viewers
On World Brain Day, Prof. Akpalu urged viewers to prioritize their brain health by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying socially connected, and regularly checking their blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. He also noted that good sleep hygiene and a balanced diet play crucial roles in maintaining brain health. Dr. Dodd-Glover encouraged viewers to remain proactive about their brain health.
World Brain Day reminds us that brain health matters, and with the right knowledge and lifestyle choices, we can all contribute to a healthier future.
Watch full interview here:
