The brain is a fragile organ. Although it controls and regulates everything that happens in our body, it is also influenced by it. Our lifestyle can help to care for and preserve mental health and to protect our brain from harm: Social interaction , intellectual activity , and brain exposure to different types of stimuli and challenges increase brain plasticity and cognitive reserve, that is, the ability to “fit” the disease without having clinical manifestations. We must have a physically active life . We know today that in addition to the cardiovascular benefit, exercise directly stimulates the brain and improves brain functions. Preventing diseases that can affect the brain is essential. The brain is one of most irrigated organs in our body and is therefore very vulnerable to vascular diseases. Eating errors , such as high levels of salt and fat in the diet, and consumption of substances toxic to the brain, such as alcohol and tobacco, are among the factors that can cause vascular damage and brain disease. Avoiding the consumption of tobacco and alcoholic beverages, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding excess weight are important to prevent cardiovascular diseases . Systemic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and inflammatory diseases also have direct effects on the brain. Stress can also be the cause of mental illnesses, which, are brain diseases. Depression is a disease of the brain. It is now known that in depression there is a brain inflammatory state with imbalance in the neurotransmitters that cause the symptoms that characterize the disease, like sadness, lack of energy, desire for isolation, anxiety and sleep and appetite disorders, among others. This disease is often precipitated by external factors, although there may also be an underlying genetic susceptibility. We must be aware of our mood and try to be happy , that is, be aware of the levels of anxiety and sadness. Many people are unaware of these issues and believe that depression is a disease that can be overcome only with effort and determination. However, this mental illness is very prevalent, causes a significant loss of quality of life and cognitive quality and can be severe, requiring early treatment. Depression can also be the first manifestation of other underlying diseases, for example Parkinson disease, and is a risk factor for a degenerative disease later in life. All diseases that we may have throughout life must be treated timely. Early diagnosis and treatment can affect the evolution and prognosis of many diseases and the effects they may have on the brain. Author : Sofia Nunes Oliveira Meet the Neurology team of Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
