World Brain Day: This what doctors in J&K suggest to improve brain health

Srinagar, July 22: Mental stimulation, regular physical exercise and eating of nutrition rich diets are some of the main ways through which a person may keep his brain young, doctors said on Saturday.

Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), doctors said research has found that stimulating new connections between nerve cells may help the brain generate new cells, developing neurological “plasticity” and building up a functional reserve that provides a hedge against future cell loss.

They said regular exercise regularly increases the number of tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the region of the brain that is responsible for thought.

They said that exercise also spurs the development of new nerve cells and increases the connections between brain cells (synapses). This results in brains that are more efficient, plastic, and adaptive, which translates into better performance in aging animals.

They said that exercise also lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels, helps blood sugar balance and reduces mental stress, all of which can help brain and heart.

They said people who eat a nutrition rich diet are less likely to develop cognitive impairment and dementia.

Dr Irfan from GMC Srinagar said that people need to improve their blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, consider low-dose aspirin, avoiding tobacco and other drugs besides caring for emotions and restful sleep are some of the things required to have good mental as well as physical health.

Dr Nisar ul Hassan, Doctors Association President Kashmir, told KNO that eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, not smoking and maintaining the right weight can prevent most of the strokes.

Dr Hassan said over the years stroke cases are on the rise in Kashmir valley. Not only elderly, we are seeing an increase in the number of strokes among young people and lifestyle modifications can help in prevention of around 80 percent strokes.

“One big factor for this spike is junk food which has largely replaced homemade food,” he said, adding another reason for the surge in strokes is a sedentary lifestyle.

The DAK President said Junk food and physical inactivity is pushing more people towards obesity.

Weight gain has been linked to diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol which are the key factors that lead to stroke.

“In order to reduce the burden of stroke in the community, it is important to encourage people to eat healthy food and stay active.

People should take a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, limit salt intake and avoid fast foods,” he said.

Stroke is a brain attack and is the leading cause of disability and second leading cause of death in Kashmir.

“There is a dire need to make people familiar with the symptoms of stroke which can include face drooping, limb weakness, speech difficulty, numbness, confusion or trouble speaking, trouble seeing, trouble walking and severe headache,” said Dr Nisar.

“Because of lack of awareness, many patients ignore stroke symptoms and don’t seek medical attention in time which results in poor outcomes.”

“Time is the essence when it comes to stroke and the sooner they receive treatment, the better the chances of survival,” he said.

“Although the benefits of early treatment in these patients are clear, only a miniscule number of patients receive optimally timed treatment,” he added—(KNO)