Brain health refers to the overall function and well-being of your brain across several key areas that include thinking, feeling and behaving. It is not just about avoiding disease but also optimising how your brain performs daily.
On Tuesday next week, we celebrate World Brain Day. It is celebrated annually on July 22 to raise awareness about neurological disorders and help promote good brain health.
Cimas Health Group doctor, Advice Zidya explained that World Brain Day is a global initiative spearheaded by the World Federation of Neurology, that aims to educate people about brain health, encourage prevention of brain damage and advocate for better access to treatment and resources for those affected by neurological conditions.
“This year’s theme is ‘Brain Health for All Ages’. It highlights the need to prioritise brain health from before birth, through to old age, as this can prevent or delay many neurological issues.
“The World Health Organisation highlights two key prevention approaches, namely primary and secondary. Primary prevention involves stopping problems before they begin. This includes good nutrition, immunisations, reducing risk factors such as smoking and delivering clear health education at every life stage.
“Secondary prevention involves early detection and prompt treatment. Regular screenings, check-ups and timely medical care can identify issues in their earliest stages, improving outcomes and lowering the risk of long-term harm.
“However, prevention is only part of the story. Awareness, education, access and advocacy also play critical roles. Together, these efforts empower individuals and communities to adopt brain-friendly habits and policies,” Zidya said.
He went on to say mental health is a key pillar of brain wellness. Without emotional and psychological balance, he said, the brain cannot function at its full capacity.
“Protecting and promoting mental health through therapy, social support, self-care and early intervention is essential for long-term cognitive and neurological well-being.
“Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study in 2021 revealed that not only are neurological conditions the main cause of disability worldwide, surpassing previous estimates, but also that new and expanded spectrum of neurological conditions are involved.
“This new discovery necessitates a comprehensive approach to brain health, with prevention as a key strategy to mitigate the impact of these neurological conditions.
“Raising awareness about brain health is essential to reduce disease burden, improve quality of life, support mental wellbeing and promote healthier societies overall. It also helps combating stigma and promoting the early recognition of neurological disorders,” Zidya added.
He said worldwide, stroke, dementia and migraine dominate brain health issues faced by people, with diabetic neuropathy emerging as a critical concern.
“Other conditions of concern include brain tumours, epilepsy and infections of the brain. Zimbabwe’s burden mirrors global patterns with HIV-related neurocognitive disorders, meningitis, neonatal encephalopathy, stroke, dementia and epilepsy constituting much of the burden.
“By making brain-friendly lifestyle choices such as staying active, eating well, sleeping enough and managing stress, we can protect and even improve brain health at any age. These habits also reduce the risk of cognitive decline and mental illness later in life.
“There is need to refrain from harmful lifestyle choices that impair brain health such as sedentary behaviour, poor diet high in sugar, salt and trans fats, chronic sleep deprivation, social isolation, chronic unmanaged stress and substance abuse involving alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs.
“As you grow older, you have to be more mindful about your diet, engage in physical activities, pay more attention to stress management, adequate sugar control in diabetes and control hypertension as well.
“Food is fuel for your brain. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet not only keeps your body healthy but is essential for clear thinking, emotional stability and long-term brain function. Making smart dietary choices is one of the most powerful ways to protect and enhance cognitive health,” he added.
Zidya explained that some of the early symptoms of brain disorders can be subtle and varied, but recognising them is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention. Common signs, he mentioned, include memory problems, difficulty concentrating, changes in mood or behaviour, headaches, seizures and issues with movement or coordination.
“Technology, such as increased screen time, can affect our brains. A landmark study in the United States of America by the National Institutes of Health that began in 2018, found that children who spent more than two hours a day on screen-time activities scored lower on language and thinking tests.
“Some children with more than seven hours a day of screen time experienced thinning of the brain’s cortex, the area of the brain related to critical thinking and reasoning. Although more data is still needed, this study and other similar studies have shown that increased screen time can have a negative effect on brain health, especially in children.”
“Early years matter the most since 90% of brain development happens before age five. This is a key window for learning, emotional growth and developing social skills. Brain structure and function is shaped by early experiences — both positive and negative.
Parents should encourage unstructured and imaginative play which helps with creativity, problem-solving and emotional control. Parents should also encourage healthy sleeping routines.
Children’s brains grow and consolidate learning during sleep and sleep helps with memory, mood and attention span. Ensuring age-appropriate sleep routines and minimising screen time before bed helps with better brain health. Excessive screen use, especially before the age of two, can negatively affect attention, language and social skills.
“Routine monitoring of growth and development milestones and addressing any signs of delays in speech, motor and behaviour skills early is also encouraged,” he added.
Zidya highlighted that stress and poor sleep can impact brain function, pointing out that sleep is crucial to brain health both in quantity and quality.
“It is a two-way relationship. Our brains and bodies regulate our sleep patterns and sleep affects our brain health and body functions. When we get plenty of high-quality sleep, research shows that our brains may be able to prevent the toxic build-up of amyloid plaques, a protein found to accumulate in people with Alzheimer’s.
“The general amount of sleep recommended for adults is seven to eight hours per night. However, it is also important to consider when you sleep.Daily shifts of light and darkness affect our sleep and wake cycles, circadian rhythms and energy levels.
“A regular sleep-wake schedule and appropriate timing of light exposure, eating and activity will help your body stay in rhythm and promote quality sleep,” he added.
Zidya pointed out that currently in Zimbabwe, neurosurgical, neurologist and psychiatrist services are mostly accessible at central hospitals in the public sector and more in the private sector.
He said there is need to decentralise both diagnostic services and curative neurology services to provincial and district hospital level.
There is also need for government and the private sector to cooperate in training of practitioners and equipping of hospitals to improve access, he added.
“Communities can amplify awareness by sharing experiences on social media and community gatherings. They can support fundraising efforts to aid in research and treatment.
“At Cimas, we aim to inspire healthier communities. Together we can achieve this through advocacy for policy change, raising community awareness and education, enhancing screening and preventative measures. Improving access to care and disability management can also lessen the burden of brain disorders in communities,” Zidya added.
The information in this article is provided as a public service by the Cimas iGo Wellness programme, which is designed to promote good health. It is provided for general information only and should not be construed as medical advice. Readers should consult their doctor or clinic on any matter related to their health or the treatment of any health problem. — igo@cimas.co.zw or WhatsApp 0772 161 829 or phone 024-2773 0663.
