THE NEW SCIENCE OF WELLNESS AND MEDICAL CARE, Part 2
THE BRAIN AND MENTAL HEALTH
“As long as our brain is a mystery, the universe, the reflection of the structure of the brain, will also be a mystery.” – Santiago Cajal (1852- 1934)
Even though it is artificial to separate any organ’s health from the overall health of the body, doing so is helpful to pay more attention to certain organ’s structure, functions, and health.
I remember, during my training in medical school and residency, we were taught hardly anything about the most important, most complex. mysterious and in charge of all other organs in the body - our brain, except simple neurological examination.
We did not have any practical instruments (like a stethoscope) to listen to the functioning of the brain like we do for the heart and lungs. We did not have any blood test or imaging test that pointed to the presence of any early abnormality in the brain.
I believe this is because our delicate brain is housed and hidden in a thick bony skull and covered with a thick outermost fibrotic membrane called “dura mater,” and encircled by cerebrospinal fluid. It is further protected by a blood – brain barrier, a tight junction barrier in capillary blood vessels that keeps blood- based infections and large chemical molecules reaching brain tissue, and by immunologic mechanisms.
So, we were left to assume that in the daily practice of medicine, if a patient can come to our office on their own and talk to us rationally about his/her problems, then his/her brain and mental health must be normal.
Medical science is ever-changing and advancing for the better. With the advancements in science and digital technology, we now have the tools to assess the brain and mental health and intervene at the first sign of any abnormality to prevent or remedy most neurological or mental health problems, in a timely manner.
Phenomics revolution in medicine and personalized medical care enable us to do all this. It includes a person’s complete medical and family history, physical examination, routine blood tests and imaging studies, genomic sequencing, brain scanning, wearable sensors, lifestyle, dietary habits. All this data is kept in confidential electronic medical records. Experts believe that when all these data are integrated, analyzed, and projected, sometimes with the help of advanced A.I., it will become highly informative about the brain and mental health as well as, overall health of the body.
Scientific studies have shown that the state of brain health requires a continuing specific forms brain training, including intellectual engagements and physical exercises. Brain training incorporates several different activities that help to boost brain functions and cognitive functions.
A typical brain fitness program incorporates the following:
Physical Exercises. Exercise increases activities in parts of the brain that have to do with executive function and memory, promotes the growth of new neurons, increases synaptic connections among brain cells, makes balance reflexes stronger, and prevent falls.
Cognitive Training. This exercise for thinking that uses computer or video games, puzzles to extend our attention span and sharpen our response time.
Nutrition. The diet that has the most beneficial effects on brain health is the Mediterranean Diet which contains whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fish, olive oil, healthy polyunsaturated fats, and tree nuts. Taking omega-3s supplements does not help.
Our brain has the capacity to grow its power and is subject to strengthening and refinement at any age.
