Kickstart your brain health journey in the new year by talking to your doctor about 12 critical factors. The American Academy of Neurology provides essential questions in their latest research to guide your conversation.
A new year often brings fresh resolutions, and prioritizing brain health could be your most impactful goal. According to a new article published in the journal Neurology, discussing 12 critical factors with your neurologist or primary care physician could significantly enhance your brain health.
The research, spearheaded by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), is a part of their ambitious Brain Health Initiative.
“Neurologists are the experts in brain health, with the training and insight needed to help you keep your brain in top shape throughout life,” AAN President Carlayne E. Jackson said in a news release. “The American Academy of Neurology’s Brain Health Initiative is leading the way, improving brain health for all by providing neurologists with important information on preventive neurology. This article can serve as a great conversation starter for you and your physician about ways to keep your brain healthy.”
These factors cover a comprehensive range of brain health influences throughout all stages of life. Here are the vital questions you should discuss with your physician.
1. Sleep: Are you able to get sufficient sleep to feel rested?
2. Affect, mood, and mental health: Do you have concerns about your mood, anxiety, or stress?
3. Food, diet, and supplements: Do you have concerns about getting enough or healthy enough food, or have any questions about supplements or vitamins?
4. Exercise: Do you find ways to fit physical exercise into your life?
5. Supportive social interactions: Do you have regular contact with close friends or family, and do you have enough support from people?
6. Trauma avoidance: Do you wear seatbelts and helmets, and use car seats for children?
7. Blood pressure: Have you had problems with high blood pressure at home or at doctor visits, or do you have any concerns about blood pressure treatment or getting a blood pressure cuff at home?
8. Risks, genetic and metabolic factors: Do you have trouble controlling blood sugar or cholesterol? Is there a neurological disease that runs in your family?
9. Affordability and adherence: Do you have any trouble with the cost of your medicines?
10. Infection: Are you up to date on vaccines, and do you have enough information about those vaccines?
11. Negative exposures: Do you smoke, drink more than one to two drinks per day, or use nonprescription drugs? Do you drink well water, or live in an area with known air or water pollution?
12. Social and structural determinants of health: Do you have concerns about keeping housing, having transportation, having access to care and medical insurance, or being physically or emotionally safe from harm?
This initiative underscores the significance of proactive and preventive brain health practices. By addressing these questions, physicians can offer targeted advice and resources, setting you on the path towards a healthier brain.
“Continued advocacy by neurologists, including efforts to fund scientific research and improve access to health care, improves brain health on a national level,” added co-author Linda M. Selwa, a professor of neurology at the University of Michigan and an AAN fellow. “Our article shows there are many ways to improve brain health individually. Resolving to improve your brain health in the new year is a great start.”
As we step into 2025, embracing these insights could become a pivotal step towards long-term brain health.