Preventing Brain Degeneration: Effective Methods

Brain degeneration causes serious diseases that affect the health and quality of life of patients. The causes of the disease can be due to the natural aging process of the body, genetics, or abnormal protein accumulation… So what are effective ways to prevent brain degeneration?

1. Brain Degeneration and Related Diseases

Brain degeneration leads to the gradual loss of nerve cells, causing decline in cognitive abilities, memory, and other functions controlled by the brain. This process is usually irreversible and tends to progress over time. The lifespan of people with these diseases is often shortened due to complications and deterioration of basic body functions, however, the quality of care and treatment can help improve quality of life and extend lifespan.

Neurological diseases originating from brain degeneration include:

• Alzheimer’s Disease: This is the most common form of dementia, causing memory loss, difficulty in daily activities, and behavioral changes. The average lifespan after diagnosis is 8-10 years, but some people can live up to 20 years.
• Parkinson’s Disease: Affects motor ability and muscle control, often causing tremors, muscle rigidity, and slowness of movement. People with this disease can live 10-20 years after diagnosis.
• Huntington’s Disease: A genetic disorder causing gradual decline in motor, cognitive, and psychological abilities. The average lifespan is 10-25 years after symptoms appear.
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): This is a rare but very serious neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells that control muscles. The average lifespan after diagnosis is usually 2-5 years, although some people can live longer, especially with respiratory support.

Understanding brain degeneration not only helps patients prevent it effectively but also aids in early detection and timely treatment of the disease.

2. Effective Ways to Prevent Brain Degeneration

Preventing brain degeneration plays an important role in maintaining brain health and reducing the risk of diseases related to neurological decline. Some effective measures to prevent brain degeneration include:

2.1. Develop a scientific meal plan and maintain a healthy diet

• A diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3, vitamins, and minerals helps protect nerve cells from damage, reduces inflammation, and prevents brain degeneration effectively. These are also two important factors causing brain degeneration.
• Increase consumption of foods rich in nutrients for brain health and development, such as fatty fish, nuts, green vegetables, fruits, olive oil, and foods high in antioxidants like berries.
• Note: When implementing a diet to prevent brain degeneration, avoid processed foods, fast food, high sugar, and saturated fats, as they can increase the risk of brain degeneration.

2.2. Exercise and maintain regular activity

• Physical activity of the body is a way to prevent brain degeneration. Exercise improves blood circulation to the brain, stimulates the growth of nerve cells, and maintains cognitive function.
• We should spend time applying exercise routines. You can do at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week, combined with strength and flexibility exercises.
• Note: When applying exercise routines, start with gentle levels if not used to movement and gradually increase intensity. Avoid overexertion as it can cause fatigue and stress.

2.3. Create an environment for the brain to always work

• Prevent brain degeneration by keeping the brain constantly active and performing its functions. Intellectual activities such as reading, playing brain games, and learning new skills help stimulate the brain and reduce the risk of degeneration.
• Daily, you can spend time on activities that keep the brain working such as reading, solving puzzles, learning a new skill, or participating in online courses.
• Note: Choose activities diversely to avoid boredom, while combining with appropriate breaks to avoid psychological stress for the brain throughout the process.

2.4. Manage stress

• Prolonged stress can damage nerve cells, so stress management helps protect the brain. This is also an effective way to prevent brain degeneration.
• Practice stress reduction techniques for the body and brain with exercises such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and spending time relaxing each day.
• Note: Limit exposure to stressors or factors that can cause stress to the body.

2.5. Create favorable conditions for sleep and ensure sleep quality

• Sleep helps the brain recover, remove waste, and consolidate memory, preventing degeneration.
• Maintain a habit of going to bed and waking up at the same time, sleep 7-9 hours each night, and create a comfortable, quiet sleep environment.
• Note: Avoid using electronic devices before sleep, create a quiet, cool, and comfortable sleep environment.

2.6. Avoid using stimulants harmful to brain health and function

• Stimulants such as alcohol, tobacco, and drugs can damage nerve cells and are factors that increase the risk of body degeneration in general and brain degeneration in particular.
• Limit or avoid using stimulants.
• Note: If accustomed to using stimulants, seek medical support or rehabilitation programs to help stop using these stimulants.

2.7. Control chronic diseases

• Chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure can increase the risk of brain degeneration, so controlling these diseases well is necessary.
• Manage chronic conditions well by following the doctor’s treatment regimen, building a scientific, healthy diet, and exercising regularly.
• Note: Adhere to the treatment regimen and have regular check-ups with the doctor to control these conditions well.

2.8. Establish and maintain healthy social relationships

• Participating in social activities helps keep the brain active, improves mood, and reduces the risk of brain degeneration.
• Join clubs, support groups, or simply maintain friendships and family relationships.
• Note: Ensure maintaining positive relationships and avoid stress from unhealthy relationships.

3. Notes when applying brain degeneration prevention measures

• Persistence and regular maintenance: These measures need to be implemented continuously and maintained for a long time to be effective.
• Personalization: Adjust measures to suit individual health and conditions. If you have special health issues, you should consult a doctor before applying.
• Listen to your body: Monitor your body’s reactions when implementing these measures. If there are any unusual signs, stop and seek medical support.
• Combine multiple measures: The effectiveness of preventing brain degeneration will be better when combining multiple measures together rather than just implementing a single method.

The above measures not only help protect the brain from the degeneration process but also optimize overall health, helping maintain cognitive sharpness and a higher quality of life. The combination of diet, exercise, stress management, and a healthy lifestyle will be the most effective way to prevent brain degeneration. Additionally, you can supplement micronutrients through infusion, which is one of the quick and effective ways to support solving this problem.

References: nia.nih.gov, helpguide.org, alzheimer.ca, mayoclinichealthsystem.org