How can I prevent brain diseases?

How can I prevent brain diseases?

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” A healthy diet and activity, along with controlling medical illnesses (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol), and making sure you’re vaccinated against infections of the brain and nervous system can avoid preventable brain illness.

Here are some general guidelines that may reduce your risk for preventable brain diseases:

• Adopting a healthy lifestyle. This includes a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption and reducing stress.
• Avoiding excessive exposure to X-rays and other sources of radiation.
• Ensuring you and your loved ones are vaccinated against bacterial meningitis.
• Knowing the warning signs of a stroke and seeking immediate emergency medical care.
• Managing chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity.
• Reducing your risk of head trauma by preventing falls, wearing your seatbelt and wearing a helmet when cycling or playing contact sports.
• Staying mentally and socially active.