22 July: World Brain Day
People around the world celebrate World Brain Day on July 22 of every year. This day aims to raise awareness of increasingly significant brain health issues, especially in our modern age.
World Brain Day 2022 is dedicated to the theme “Βrain Health for all”, as our brains continue to be challenged by pandemics, wars, climate change, and the myriad of disorders impacting human existence globally.
Brain anatomy and physiology
The brain is part of the central nervous system. It is protected within the skull and composed of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. The cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres and each of them is subdivided into functional lobes: the Frontal Lobe, Temporal Lobe, Parietal Lobe, and Occipital Lobe.
The brain receives information through our five senses: vision, smell, touch, taste, and hearing. Often, many at one time. It assembles the messages in a way that has meaning for us and can store that information in our memory. Also, the brain controls our thoughts, memory, and speech, the movement of the arms and legs, and the function of many organs within our body.
3D Organon has detailed 3D models of the nervous system. Discover every part of the brain, use cadaveric images, and study the anatomical terminology and definitions. This will help you have a deeper understanding of the brain’s anatomy and neurology. At the same time, explore the microscopic model of the neuron, changing the transparency, manipulating single or grouped structures, and thereby simulating a virtual dissection.
Common Brain Disorders
Brain disorders come in different forms. Infections, trauma, stroke, seizures, and tumors are some of the major categories of brain diseases. Here’s an overview of various types of brain disorders.
- Brain Tumors. Brain growths or tumors are abnormal cells growing inside the brain and can strike people of any age. Despite extensive medical research, there are still many unknown facts about what causes these growths.
- Trauma. Brain trauma is another common type of brain disorder caused by injuries or accidents. Trauma, specifically blunt force trauma, can harm neurons, brain tissues, and nerves. When that happens, the brain’s connection with the rest of the body may be hindered.
- Cerebrovascular Diseases. Cerebrovascular diseases affect the blood flow and circulation to the brain. These can often cause strokes. These problems affect parts of the brain temporarily or permanently, and in many cases, can lead to death.
- Autoimmune Brain Diseases. Autoimmune brain diseases happen when your immune system attacks healthy tissues and cells in the spinal cord or the brain. Such disorders could result in inflammation that can cause psychiatric or neurological symptoms and impaired brain functioning. Early diagnosis is essential for autoimmune brain disorders, but doctors may find it hard to diagnose them early because the symptoms vary.
- Neurodegenerative Diseases. The weakening of your nerves and brain over time typically causes neurodegenerative diseases. This deterioration may impact your personality and brain function. These diseases can cause permanent damage, and symptoms generally progress to the point that a patient’s quality of life is severely affected.
- Mental Disorders. Mental illness or disorder is an umbrella term representing various conditions that affect a patient’s behavior, thinking, mood or feelings. Such disorders can affect a person’s ability to deal with other people and perform regular day-to-day functions.
Brain Health
Brain health is a critical piece of your overall health. It underlies your ability to communicate, make decisions, problem-solve and live a productive and useful life.
To keep your brain healthy, you should:
-Exercise Often
Regular exercise has been shown to slow age-related brain deterioration and maintain cognitive abilities that typically decrease with age. Exercise also helps lower blood pressure, avoid vascular disease leading to stroke, and helps maintain a healthy supply of blood pumping to the brain. Exercising is as easy as going for a walk, playing a sport, or attending an exercise class, among many others.
-Sleep well
Sleep plays an important role in your brain health. There are some theories that sleep helps clear abnormal proteins in your brain and consolidates memories, which boosts your overall memory and brain health.
-Healthy diet habits
Your diet plays a large role in your brain health. Follow a Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes plant-based foods, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats, such as olive oil.
-Exercise mentally
Mental exercise is just as critical as physical exercise in keeping your brain fit and healthy. Mental exercises may improve your brain?s functioning and promote new brain cell growth, decreasing your likelihood of developing dementia.
-Stay connected
Leading an active social life can protect you against memory loss. Spending time with others, engaging in stimulating conversation, and staying in touch and connected with family and friends are good for your brain health. Studies have shown that those with the most social interaction in their community experience the slowest rate of memory decline.
Take care of your brain and you will feel healthier. Brain Health for all!
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