The human brain is the most extraordinary and complex object in the
known universe, a kilogram and a half of soft tissue that, at its peak,
leaves computers behind with its endless capacity for problem solving,
innovation and invention. So it’s a little surprising that only recently has the concept of
brain health begun to emerge. After all, if the body is a “temple”, then
surely the brain must be the “high altar” as it generates all our
thoughts, feelings and movements. Indeed, it is fundamental to all of
our conscious experience.
Brain diseases such as Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s and other forms of
dementia demonstrate how devastating it is when the brain degenerates,
dragging the mind and its many wonderful capacities down with it.
Clearly, it’s time we all focused more on this most important organ, to
improve both the quality and quantity of brain health across the
lifespan.
The good news is that many of the lifestyle choices that are good for
the body are also good for the brain. But we need to be mindful that
other factors may be particularly beneficial for brain. Here’s a
distillation of some of the current evidence supporting beneficial
lifestyle factors into four pillars of brain health.