Protecting Your Brain: Tips for Better Cognitive Health

July 22^nd marks World Brain Day, established by the World Federation of Neurology to promote public awareness of brain health. While all our organs are important, the brain is arguably the most critical. The brain is like a computer, processing information and sending messages throughout the body, controlling our actions, emotions, memories, thoughts, and other organs.

Ways You Can Support your Brain Health

Researchers have found evidence that supports the theory that a healthy lifestyle is also good for brain health. While mental decline is a natural part of aging, making these changes can help maintain cognitive function. To improve your brain health, experts recommend adding the following to your routine:

• Exercise regularly
• Aim for 7 – 9 hours of sleep each night
• Challenge your mind with mentally stimulating activities like puzzles and reading
• Consume a Mediterranean or DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) diet
• Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption
• Maintain strong social connections with friends and family
• Practice good mental hygiene by keeping stress and anxiety levels low
• Manage existing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease
• Always wear protective gear like a helmet to prevent brain injuries when playing sports

Adopting these lifestyle changes are an excellent way to protect your brain health, but there are also factors that are beyond our control, like genetics, gender, or age. In some cases, these unmodifiable risk factors can increase our risk of certain neurological conditions and diseases.

Our Approach to Neuro Care

Catholic Health offers different levels of neurological care, aimed at improving the lives of our patients. Our stroke centers are considered regional hubs for education, prevention and treatment. The highly experienced physicians and specialists at Catholic Health use innovative treatments to deliver the best care possible for even the most difficult diagnoses.

Our team works with you to create a comprehensive treatment plan. We use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and offer a wide range of surgical and therapy treatment options.

Conditions of the brain and spine can be challenging and complex. If you or a loved one are suffering from a neurological condition, we encourage you to meet with our team to learn more about your treatment options, or get a second opinion. Our focus is to provide our patients with the highest level of care.