Boston, MA – As people age, concerns about bowel movements, heart health, and sleep are common topics of conversation. But one crucial organ often overlooked in these discussions is the brain. Vascular neurologist Dr. Natalia Rost emphasizes the significance of brain health, stating that it is the “command and control center of everything that is human within us.”
According to Dr. Rost, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) is pushing for a paradigm shift towards preventive neurology, with a focus on promoting brain health. The AAN envisions a future where regular “well-brain checkups” are covered by insurance as preventive care, starting from childhood and continuing into old age.
In this brain health revolution, the AAN aims to provide personalized brain care tailored to individuals’ specific needs. This comprehensive approach involves assessing genetic, behavioral, and lifestyle risks for cognitive decline, and offering personalized strategies for improvement.
Dr. Rost further emphasizes the importance of addressing vascular risk factors that can lead to cognitive decline, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. In addition to these risk factors, emotional and psychological factors, including trauma and stress, also play a significant role in brain health.
Preventive neurologist Dr. Richard Isaacson, based in Boca Raton, Florida, highlights the need for individualized action plans to prevent brain decay. He insists that a personalized approach to brain care, encompassing stress reduction, strength training, aerobic exercise, and a plant-based diet, can significantly impact brain health.
Isaacson is spearheading an NIH-funded clinical trial, “Retain Your Brain,” aimed at delivering preventive brain care to people in their homes. This approach allows individuals to access software for free risk assessment, memory and cognitive tests, and personalized advice via their cell phones.
As the field of preventive neurology continues to evolve, the development of digital brain health resources offers promise in democratizing access to brain care. Implementing these technologies could potentially bridge gaps in preventive neurology and make brain health more accessible to the public.
In conclusion, the focus on brain health is becoming increasingly pivotal as advancements in preventive neurology provide hope for maintaining cognitive function throughout life. This unique approach offers a proactive strategy to combat cognitive decline and emphasizes the critical role of personalized brain care in overall well-being.