Concurrent with World Brain Day, calls for early detection and boosting brain health through prevention and healthy habits.

Dr. Bryan Woodruff, a neurologist and cognitive specialist at Mayo Clinic, emphasized that adopting a healthy lifestyle not only helps prevent heart disease, diabetes, and cancer but also reduces the risk of cognitive decline and developing Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, stressing the importance of early detection as a key factor in improving future treatment outcomes.

He explained, on the occasion of World Brain Day, which falls on July 22 each year, that brain health is closely linked to overall body health, stating: 'What benefits your general health also benefits your brain.'

He noted that Alzheimer's disease is not limited to the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain; studies have shown that the brains of patients often also contain vascular changes, accumulation of fat and cholesterol, as well as microscopic strokes that may not have obvious symptoms.

He explained that these microscopic strokes gradually affect the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to brain tissue, which over time may lead to slowed thinking, poor concentration, and declining cognitive abilities.

He affirmed that the brain directly depends on the efficiency of the cardiovascular system, making the maintenance of heart and vascular health a key factor in protecting cognitive functions.

He explained that prevention begins with controlling risk factors associated with heart disease, such as high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar and cholesterol levels, avoiding tobacco products, and maintaining a healthy weight, noting that early intervention yields greater benefits for brain health.

He also recommended following a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, which relies on natural, minimally processed foods and emphasizes fruits and vegetables, as it plays a role in reducing inflammation and improving vascular health.

He stressed the importance of getting enough sleep, explaining that research has shown a link between sleep disorders and increased risk of cognitive decline, as well as their association with chronic diseases that affect brain function, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

He affirmed that social relationships are an important element in maintaining brain health, as they stimulate the release of mood-enhancing chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine, and help form new connections between neurons.

He pointed out that addressing hearing and vision problems is an essential part of prevention, because sensory impairment affects a person's ability to communicate, socially interact, and form memories.

He also warned against the chronic use of certain sedative medications, which may affect thinking, reaction time, and cause drowsiness, urging patients to consult healthcare providers to ensure the appropriateness of their long-term medications.

Dr. Woodruff affirmed that regular physical activity helps reduce the risk of cognitive decline, noting that studies have shown that rates of cognitive decline are twice as high in sedentary individuals compared to more active ones.

He added that mental activity is no less important than physical activity, recommending continuous learning of new skills and engaging in stimulating intellectual activities, as they play a role in forming what is known as 'cognitive reserve'—a network of neural connections that gives the brain greater ability to withstand the effects of degenerative diseases.

He explained that this reserve does not completely prevent neurological diseases, but it provides a degree of protection and delays the onset of symptoms.

Regarding diagnosis, he mentioned that research teams at Mayo Clinic are working on developing methods for early detection of dementia and mild cognitive impairment, emphasizing that early diagnosis will be a crucial factor in benefiting from future treatments that may slow disease progression or mitigate its effects.

He concluded by emphasizing that starting to improve lifestyle is not tied to a specific age or disease stage, stating that general health care remains beneficial at all stages, and called on everyone to adopt healthy habits that help protect the brain and maintain quality of life.