Why Brain Health Is the Core of Mental Health Disorders?
What is brain health?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is not just the absence of disease — it’s a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.1
The brain controls every process that keeps our body functioning, including our thoughts, memory, emotions, movement, and behavior. That’s why caring for your brain is key to maintaining good health.2
A healthy brain depends on many different factors, including:3
· Physical health – a healthy brain means the absence of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's or Parkinson’s and optimal brain functioning.
· Environmental factors – regular exercise, adequate and restful sleep, and a balanced diet help support brain health.
· Physical safety – protecting the brain from injury is key for long-term health.
· Financial security – financial stability can reduce mental strain and promote better brain health.
· Opportunities for social convergence – having meaningful social connections helps protect the brain against cognitive decline.
· Access to health and social services – to promote early detection of health conditions and prevent complications that affect brain health.
Link between mental health and brain health
Mental health and brain health are often treated as separate topics. However, research shows that psychiatric and neurological disorders share the same pathways.4
Some of these conditions originate early in life, while the brain is still developing. Experiences happening during this critical period can make an individual more likely to have anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.4
A family history of psychiatric or neurological conditions can also increase your risk of developing these disorders. One example is the CACNA1C gene, linked with various conditions, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and epilepsy.4
Epigenetic modifications (changes to DNA that don’t alter the sequence, but affect which genes are turned on or off) also play a role in the development of both neurological and psychiatric diseases.4
Environmental factors such as stress, early life adversity, substance abuse, exposure to pollutants, and low socioeconomic status can alter brain function and increase vulnerability to conditions like depression, cognitive decline, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Lifestyle habits like being physically inactive, having an unbalanced diet, and not getting enough sleep can also impact brain and mental health.4
Tips to keep your brain healthy
Small everyday actions can help keep your brain healthy and lower your risk of conditions like dementia and cognitive decline. Check out key practices to support a healthy brain:
· Exercise regularly – being physically active helps protect the brain against psychiatric diseases, and it lowers the risk of cognitive decline.
· Eat a balanced diet – your diet plays an essential role in your brain health. Studies show that people who follow a Mediterranean diet, rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, are less likely to have dementia.5
· Get enough sleep – good quality sleep is key for brain health. Aim to get at least seven to eight hours of rest each night.
· Remain socially active – social interaction helps keep stress and depression away. Look for opportunities to connect with loved ones, friends, and other people in your community, especially if you live alone.
· Protect your head – prevent injury by wearing a helmet for activities like biking, always wear a seatbelt, and take steps to prevent falls, when possible.
· Take care of your health – have your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol checked regularly, and take action to keep these levels within a healthy range. It’s also a good idea to limit alcohol intake and avoid smoking.
· Keep your mind active – keep your brain in shape by learning new skills, exercising, and challenging yourself with games and puzzles.
Key takeaways
Brain health is the foundation of mental health, influencing everything from memory and emotions to behavior and overall well-being. Things like physical health, environment, financial stability, and social connections all play critical roles in keeping the brain healthy.
Taking care of your brain through regular exercise, a balanced diet, good sleep habits, social engagement, injury prevention, and regular health check-ups can help protect against cognitive decline and mental health disorders. Prioritizing brain health is essential for a healthier, more resilient mind throughout life.
References
1- Health and Well-Being. WHO. https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/major-themes/health-and-well-being
2- Hachinski, Vladimir, et al. "A new definition of brain health." The Lancet Neurology 20.5 (2021): 335-336.https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422(21)00102-2/fulltext
3- Gorelick, Philip B., and Farzaneh A. Sorond. "What is brain health?." Cerebral Circulation-Cognition and Behavior 6 (2024): 100190.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10826122/
4- Ibanez, Agustin, and Eduardo R. Zimmer. "Time to synergize mental health with brain health." Nature Mental Health 1.7 (2023): 441-443.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11168413/
5- MIND and Mediterranean diets linked to fewer signs of Alzheimer’s brain pathology. NIH. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/mind-and-mediterranean-diets-linked-fewer-signs-alzheimers-brain-pathology
