Hello Everyone,
It is a common misconception that only older adults need to pay attention to brain health because they are more likely to develop brain-related disorders. This is far from the truth.
Diseases of the brain affect all age groups. These include developmental disorders such as cerebral palsy, intellectual disability and learning disabilities that often begin early in life. It also includes others such as epilepsy, stroke, dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
For conditions that typically appear later in life—such as dementia and stroke—the risk does not suddenly emerge in old age. Instead, vulnerability is shaped across the life course, beginning before conception, influenced by parental health, pregnancy, childhood experiences, and lifelong exposures.
‘Diseases of the brain affect all age groups, not just the older adults.’
‘For brain diseases occurring in later life, the risk does not suddenly emerge in old age. Risk sometimes begins from conception, through childhood to adulthood.’
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Brain Health Begins Before Birth; Both Fathers and Mothers Matter
The health of both parents plays a crucial role in how a child’s brain develops and the risk of neurological disease later in life. Poor nutrition, untreated medical conditions, medication misuse, substance abuse, and exposure to environmental toxins before and during pregnancy can interfere with optimal brain development.
Historically, attention focused almost exclusively on maternal health. However, emerging evidence shows that paternal age, health status, and substance use—especially alcohol—around the time of conception can also affect a child’s brain development. Brain health is not only about the mother; it is the duty of the father too.
‘Preconception health of the father is as important as that of the mother in protecting a child’s brain. Intending parents should pay attention to their health and the medications they use. It is not a bad idea to check in with your doctor.’
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Childhood: A Critical Window for Brain Development
From childhood through early adulthood, the brain undergoes rapid growth. This period is marked by the formation of new neurons, increased connections between neurons, and the development of myelin, which allows faster and more efficient communication within the brain. The extent of brain development during this period helps determine a child’s maximum intellectual and cognitive capacity.
Nutrition, sleep, quality education, emotional security, stimulation, and social interaction all contribute to building cognitive reserve. Children should be encouraged to explore, solve problems, and think independently. Allowing children to attempt tasks and assignments on their own before offering help promotes healthy brain stimulation- Nigerian Mamas and Papas, I am sure you understand!
Preventing and treating childhood illnesses is equally important. Some infections can cause lasting brain damage, leading to learning disabilities or epilepsy. Exposure to malnutrition, chronic stress, neglect, or environmental toxins can result in subtle brain injuries that may only become apparent later in life.
‘Childhood is a critical window for optimizing brain function because the brain grows rapidly during this period. Nutrition, sleep, quality education, emotional security, stimulation, social interaction and prompt treatment of diseases are important for optimal growth.’
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Adulthood: The Lifelong Impact of Lifestyle and Environment
As we age, brain growth slows and the brain’s ability to repair itself declines.
At this point, maintaining brain health becomes increasingly important. Physical activity, adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, education, mental well-being, cardiovascular health, and social engagement all help preserve normal brain function.
In contrast, smoking, excessive alcohol use, illicit drugs, unmanaged stress, poorly controlled hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and environmental toxins accelerate brain decline by reducing the brain’s ability to repair itself.
‘As we grow older, the brain’s ability for self-repair reduces. Physical activity, adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, education, mental well-being, cardiovascular health, and social engagement are important dos at this point to maintain brain health.’
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Why This Matters Now
The global burden of brain-related diseases is rising; it is a leading cause of disability and a major cause of mortality worldwide. The increase is attributed to a rising prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes and substance misuse. Each year, millions suffer strokes, and dementia prevalence continues to rise.
According to the WHO, the number of people living with dementia is expected to increase significantly, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. We are already beginning to see this in Nigeria, one Nigerian study reported a fourfold increase over a 20-year period! I am also seeing an increase in the number of people with dementia in my clinic compared to my experience about a decade ago
Without early prevention strategies that begin in childhood—or even before conception—the impact on families, healthcare systems, and economies will be profound.
‘Brain-related disorders are the number one cause of disability worldwide and a leading cause of death. The number of people with stroke and dementia is increasing globally and we need to take action to prevent this increase.’
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Protecting the Brain Across the Life Course
Protecting brain health requires intentional action at every stage of life:
• Before conception: Optimize physical and mental health, manage chronic illnesses, avoid harmful substances (for both men and women).
• During pregnancy: Ensure good nutrition, antenatal care, stress reduction, and avoidance of toxins.
• Childhood: Promote good nutrition, education, sleep, play, and emotional security.
• Adulthood: Maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage medical conditions, and stay mentally and socially engaged.
• Older age: Continue physical activity, cognitive stimulation, and social connection while seeking early medical care.
‘Protecting your Brain and your Child's Brain must be intentional. It begins at the point of planning pregnancy to old age.’
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The Take-Home Message
Prioritizing brain health is a lifelong process, beginning even before conception and continuing into old age. What we do today shapes not only our own brain health but also that of future generations. You may not be the Einstein of your generation—but by protecting your health and your child’s brain health, you could raise the next one.
Remember “Try to do the Dos. If you can’t do the Dos, don’t do the Don’ts.”
‘Protecting your brain is protecting who you are—and protecting your child’s brain is protecting the future.’
References
4. WHO Dementia.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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