The 22nd of July is World Brain Day – yet another opportunity to provide a reminder about the impact of lifestyle on keeping the brain healthy and fit for longer. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), by 2030, brain diseases will have become the biggest health threat leading to death or disability.
The group of brain diseases include:
- cerebrovascular diseases (strokes)
- multiple sclerosis
- Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
- Parkinson’s disease
- encephalitis
- brain tumours
- epilepsy
- migraine and primary headaches
- mood disorders (e.g. depression)
It is important to note that some brain diseases can be prevented or their progression may be slowed down.
WHAT POSITIVELY INFLUENCES BRAIN HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE?
- regular physical and mental activity
- diet rich in ingredients essential for proper brain functioning (vegetables,fruit, nuts, fish, seeds, whole-grain cereals)
- healthy sleep
- elimination of stimulants’ use
- avoiding contact with chemicals and mold
- regular check-ups of blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol levels
- receiving vaccination for Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and meningococcal bacteria (due to the severe complications of tick-borne and bacterial infections)
The role of diet is significant in the functioning of the nervous system, which is particularly important in the case of elderly people who experience cell-damaging processes in their nerves. The preferred diet for preventing and supporting the treatment of eurodegenerative diseases (including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease) is the Mediterranean food, which is high in antioxidants, fiber and unsaturated fatty acids.
Meanwhile, according to a nationwide study of particular areas of elderly people’s health, Polsenior2, co-authored by ProfessMed specialists: Edyta Wernio, MD, a specialist in clinical nutrition and dietetics, and neurologist Kamil Chwojnicki, MD, PhD, the diet of Polish seniors is full of flaws, including: qualitative and quantitative nutritional deficiencies. For example, as many as 25% of seniors do not consume a daily portion of vegetables and fruit containing antioxidants that reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s
disease.
It is therefore worth reviewing the diet – both your own and that of those in your care – and seeking advice from a clinical nutritionist, who tailors an individualised nutrition plan to support the patients with a brain disease diagnosis, verifies the current diet regarding the brain disease prevention and selects dietary supplements appropriate to the patient’s condition.
WHAT DOES A CLINICAL NUTRITIONIST CONSULTATION LOOK LIKE?
- diagnosis of the problem is carried out
- a detailed medical interview is performed regarding health condition and the presence of chronic diseases
- current diet and lifestyle are analysed
- a dietary plan is presented
- detailed recommendations are given
It is advisable to bring the current blood test results and a list of medications and supplements that the patient is taking to the first appointment with the nutritionist.
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