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As we step into 2024, improving brain health can begin with a simple, yet crucial, conversation with your neurologist or primary care physician. A recent article published by the American Academy of Neurology in Neurology outlines 12 key factors that influence brain health at all stages of life and provides questions to discuss with your doctor to better protect your brain.
“Neurologists are the experts in brain health, with the training and insight needed to help you keep your brain in top shape throughout life,” said Carlayne E. Jackson, M.D., FAAN, President of the American Academy of Neurology. “The Brain Health Initiative is working to improve brain health for all by providing neurologists with vital information on preventive care. This article can serve as a great conversation starter between patients and their physicians about how to maintain optimal brain function.”
The article provides 12 important factors to consider when thinking about brain health, along with questions for each factor to bring up with your healthcare provider:
- Sleep: Are you able to get sufficient sleep to feel rested?
- Mood and Mental Health: Do you have concerns about your mood, anxiety, or stress?
- Diet and Supplements: Are you concerned about getting enough healthy food or about the need for supplements or vitamins?
- Exercise: Are you finding ways to incorporate physical exercise into your life?
- Social Interactions: Do you have regular contact with close friends or family, and do you have enough social support?
- Trauma Prevention: Are you using safety precautions like seatbelts, helmets, or car seats for children?
- Blood Pressure: Have you had issues with high blood pressure, or do you have concerns about blood pressure management?
- Genetic and Metabolic Factors: Do you have trouble managing blood sugar or cholesterol, and does neurological disease run in your family?
- Affordability and Medication Adherence: Are the costs of your medications a concern?
- Infections: Are you up to date on your vaccinations?
- Negative Exposures: Do you smoke, drink excessively, or use non-prescription drugs? Are you exposed to environmental hazards like polluted water or air?
- Social Determinants of Health: Do you face challenges with housing, transportation, access to medical care, or personal safety?
By discussing these factors with your doctor, you can gain personalized advice, medical care, and resources to improve your brain health.
Linda M. Selwa, M.D., of the University of Michigan, emphasized the importance of continued advocacy for brain health: “Our article shows that there are many ways to improve brain health on an individual level. Resolving to improve your brain health in the new year is a great start.”
With continued research and better access to healthcare, neurologists are playing a pivotal role in improving brain health across the nation. This New Year, take the first step by having a conversation with your healthcare provider about how you can protect your most valuable asset: your brain.
For more details, refer to Neurology journal: Linda M. Selwa et al, The Neurologist’s Role in Promoting Brain Health (2024). DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000210226.
