The Healthy Brain

The nervous system structurally consists of billions of nerve cells (neurons) and support cells (glial cells). Based on its anatomical localisation, it is subdivided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

The CNS comprises the brain hemisperes, the cerebellum, the brainstem and the spinal cord. The grey matter of the central nervous system consists of large numbers of cell bodies of neurons. The white matter consists of nerve fibres sheathed in myelin. The PNS consists of nerve bundles comprised of afferent and efferent nerve fibres that are connected to the spinal cord via the foramina of the spine.

The function of the nervous system is to transmit information. Stimuli are perceived by sensory cells, processed, and transferred to effectors in the body such as muscle or gland cells. In other words, the nervous system records, interprets and reacts. It is also the seat of our consciousness and our cognitive capacities.

Keeping your brain healthy

In the past decade research has demonstrated that we can actively contribute to keeping our brain healthy. You may have more power over your brain than you might have thought.

Research shows that exercise is one of the key elements in keeping your brain healthy.

• Exercise helps the brain to grow new brain cells. Exercise slows down the natural process of brain cell decrease with age and helps to maintain normal cognitive abilities even with increasing age.
• Exercise positively influences blood pressure. High blood pressure damages the arteries that provide oxygen and energy to the brain. Preventing high blood pressure with exercise significantly decreases the risk of stroke and some forms of dementia.

A healthy diet

Apart from keeping your heart healthy, healthy food intake will keep your brain healthy. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats are essential requirements for a healthy brain.

Social life

Humans are wired to be social even those of us who are naturally introverts. We’re learning that new experiences and new friends and old friends do more than enrich your life.

Especially in covid-times, neglecting social life, may have detrimental effects on brain health in the short and long-term. An excellent way to counteract this, is to join our run4brain community where we set aside time on a regular basis to connect with running friends.

Brain exercise

Keeping the brain active is essential to stay sharp. Exercising your brain throughout your life slows mental decline in old age.Here are some ways to use your brain every day

• Stay curious and involved
• Read, write, solve crossword or other puzzles
• Enroll in courses
• Attend lectures and plays
• Play games
• Garden
• Try memory exercises