How to Promote Better Brain Health for You and Your Child

When we think about health, we often focus on the body as a whole, overlooking the importance of brain health and how it impacts our lives, functions, and overall well-being.

We visit a dentist for dental health, an optometrist or ophthalmologist for eye check-ups, and our general physician for annual physical examinations. For parents of children with special needs, you may also see a list of specialists. Just as you brush your teeth twice daily for dental health, taking similar steps to promote ongoing brain health is crucial. It needs to be a natural part of daily life.

How do you ensure proper brain health, and why is it important?

In this context, we are not discussing psychologists or psychiatrists to assess brain health. It is about understanding the connection between keeping the brain healthy and how it influences other body areas. Even when areas of the brain are damaged, other areas can take over certain functions.

In many cases, you do not need a particular doctor to help you assess potential actions that can benefit your brain health. There are things you can do right now to optimize healthy brain functions.

Thanks to cutting-edge research over the last twenty years, we can use scientific advancements to our benefit to help our children enjoy better health and well-being.

Why Is Brain Health Important?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), brain health is defined as “the state of brain functioning across cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioral and motor domains, allowing a person to realize their full potential over the life course, irrespective of the presence or absence of disorders.”

Various determinants can affect brain health, including environment, social connections, physical health, safety, security, learning, and access to quality services. Diet, exercise, sleep, stress reduction, and other factors keep the brain healthy and functioning at its full potential.

Optimizing brain health by addressing factors that can hinder its performance can help improve physical and mental health. The trillions of connections between neurons in the brain – yes, trillions – help us learn, think, move, feel, plan, read, write, and solve problems. When the brain is not at its best, we can experience breakdowns in our health and daily lives.

Good brain health can impact disabilities such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and Down syndrome. Sometimes, a dual diagnosis may be present, creating further challenges.

Video Animation explains Neuroplasticity a in a very simple and correct way by Sentis Brain Animation Series

What is brain plasticity (neuroplasticity), and how can it help?

Another area to understand is that of brain plasticity – the ability of the brain to restructure itself in response to various experiences and stimuli. The billions of interconnected neurons in the brain communicate via chemical signals and electrical impulses. The synapses (connections) are everchanging, strengthening, weakening, or undergoing new formations in response to learning new skills, recovering from injuries, or adapting to environmental changes.

The role of brain plasticity is crucial in enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities, as we can take steps to support new experiences to help the brain’s neurons grow and adapt. Exposing children to new stimuli can trigger crucial changes. Cognitive exercises, physical and occupational therapy, music, and other such actions can help “rewire” the brain.

Providing a child with as many experiences as possible during early childhood can profoundly impact their brain’s functions. Challenging older children and adults through life, whether through puzzles, learning new skills, or reading, can help strengthen and form new neural pathways and improve cognitive abilities.

However, stress, lack of sleep, diet deficiencies, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, neglect, and lack of exposure to a stimulating environment can disrupt neural pathways and impair brain health and cognitive functions.

How do neurological disabilities impact brain health?

Neurological disabilities and disorders, such as cerebral palsy (CP), are caused by abnormalities or damage to the brain. Although irreversible, CP is not progressive. While the effects can range from mild to severe, some symptoms may change as a child ages. Supportive treatments can help improve cognitive functions, motor skills, and communication. Every child is different, and developing a plan of action to address their needs and skills is crucial.

Do prescription medications or other substances affect brain health?

Certain medications and substances can influence brain functions. According to a 2019 report, a common ADHD drug may affect the development of white matter in children’s brains. Medications such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and stimulants may disrupt rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, altering brain development in children.

Substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs can alter mood regulation, neuron communications, and the physical composition of the brain.

Continue the Brain Health Series

This article is part of our Brain Health Series. Explore the next pieces below to go deeper into specific areas of sleep, nutrition, movement, stress, and daily routines.

Preventative Measures That Can Help Promote Better Brain Health

Why Diet and Nutrition Are Crucial for Mental Health

The Benefits of Sleep Enhancement for Cognitive Functions

How to Improve Brain Health Through Stress Reduction

Boosting Brainpower: Discovering the Benefits of Exercise for Special Kid

Why Diet and Nutrition Are Crucial for Mental Health

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This post originally appeared on our March/April 2024 Magazine