brain health web

7/29/2019 Brain Health Web

1/7

Sharon Platt-McDonald MSc RHV RM RGN

Sharon currently works as the Health

director and Special Needs co-ordinator.

Be happy and keep your mind active,sharp and creative. Heres how . . .


2/7


3/7

3

Introduction

The spotlight is on brain health. We

look at what impacts braindevelopment and degeneration, how

to keep your brain healthy, how toboost memory and control the mind to

enhance spiritual wellbeing.

We examine the factors that contributeto brain health and help prevent

cognitive decline as we age. Theseare: dietary habits, physical activity,mental wellbeing and emotional

stability, spirituality, social engagementand cardiovascular health.

Scientific discoveries have revealednew information about how the brain

works and how we can use that

knowledge to maximise brain health,particularly as we age.

2

First published 2010

2010 The Stanborough Press Ltd

All rights reserved. No part of this publicationmay be reproduced in any form withoutprior permission from the publisher.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data.A catalogue record for this book is available from the

British Library.

ISBN 1-904685-88-9

Published by The Stanborough Press Ltd,

Grantham, Lincolnshire.

Designed by Abigail Murphy

Printed in Thailand.


4/7

5

Key principles

There is no greater or more complexsystem than the human brain. This

collection of neurons weighingapproximately 4 pounds initiates ourthoughts, emotions and behaviour.

When we talk about staying fit, thegeneral emphasis is from the neck

down. However, the health of our brainplays a critical role in everything wedo: thinking, feeling, remembering,

working and playing even sleeping.

4

When older adults challenge

themselves with new thoughts andexperiences, they not only create new

neural pathways but they find newforms of self-expression. Research

demonstrates the importance ofdeveloping new social and intellectual

activities for the over 50s. Thishas been shown to halt the process

of cognitive degeneration andenhance brain health well into

the later stage of life.

Research tells us how to enhance thebrain function of children and youth,the dangers and risks that can affectbrain function at their particular age

and its subsequent effect later in life.


5/7

7

Use it or lose it

Although the brain is fully grown byage 6, activities such as reading,

learning or processing information willcause new synapses to develop.

Research suggests that anunchallenged or inactive mind maycause the number of synapses to

decline. The number of synapses isclosely linked with intelligence.

6

You are what you eat

Two thirds of the brain is made up offat. The food we eat provides building

blocks to make these essential orgood fats called lipids which arecrucial for effective brain function.

However, bad fats (trans fatty acids)can adversely affect the brain, causing

difficulties from reduced learningability to motor function difficulties and

impaired mobility.


6/7

9

Drug alert

Many drugs have a damaging effectupon neurotransmitters, the chemicalswhich convey signals between nerve

cells in the brain. Abusing drugscan kill brain cells.

Research indicates the following:

The brain benefits from good

nutrition and regular exercise. Environmental input such as aerobic

exercise changes the structure andfunction of the brain.

A proactive and lifelong lifestyle forbrain health encourages the

development of brain reserves thatmay delay the onset of

neurodegenerative disease.

8

Play it smart

Avoid head injuries. Activities such ascycling, equestrian sports and skating

have the potential for seriousaccidents or damage to the brain.

Wearing a helmet can prevent this.Studies on contact sports like soccer

have shown decreased cognitive skillswhen repeated blows to the

head have occurred.


7/7

1

If you are a diabetic it is crucial thatyou keep your blood sugars as normal

and as tightly controlled as possible.New studies indicate that the better

you control your blood sugars, the lessbrain damage youll sustain. Caution:the higher the blood sugar levels, the

more you harm your brain.

Advice

Markedly reduce carbohydrateintake.

Exercise and lead a moreactive lifestyle.

Avoid saturated fats.

10

Chronic illness impact

Here we look at the impact of twolong-term conditions on brain function.

Diabetes

Diabetes damages the small bloodvessels in the brain. This can

eventually lead to those vesselsclosing off completely. When this

occurs, the brain tissue fed by theblood vessel dies, causing a stroke.

Several new research studiesindicate that diabetes, and even pre-

diabetes, damages brain cells directly.

Recent research shows that peoplewith diabetes are twice as likely to

develop Alzheimers disease.

brain health web

Documents