Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor functions of the central nervous system. The neurons that are damaged are situated at the basal ganglia. This neurons release dopamine and interact with other neurons and pathways in the brain, thereby regulating and fine-tuning every motor response from the brain.
A recent study published in the journal Neurology, reports that there is a strong association between Parkinson and one fatal head injury. The study compared subjects with no history of traumatic brain injury to subjects who have experienced traumatic injury and found a strong correlation.
How to Prevent Head Injuries
Brain injuries occur when there is a violent shake or forceful blow to the head. It can also be caused by direct penetration to the brain tissue, such as a bullet or very sharp object.
Brain injuries can happen to anybody but tend to be common in certain group of people. They include
Certain measures can be taken to prevent head Injuries
- Alcohol and drug use. These two substances are known to impair cognition and sense of judgment. Driving under the influence of this substance should be highly discouraged. Not only do they pose a risk to themselves, but to others lives.
- Appropriate head protection should be worn by players who participate in certain sports such as rugby, baseball, boxing, snowboarding, skiing, and skating. The helmet should be worn at all times by people riding a bicycle, motorcycle, skateboard or all-terrain vehicles.
- Children should be discouraged from playing on balconies or fire rails.
- Dry nonslip mats should always be placed in the bathtub
- Every house should be equipped with appropriate lighting. Neon signs can be placed in delicate spots in the house.
- Do not run on slippery surfaces.
- Seatbelts and airbags. Drivers and passengers should be enforced to wear their seat belts at all times. Children and babies should not be allowed to seat in the front seat of the car but should place at the back seat, secured in a child safety seat or booster seat that is specific for their height and weight.
Ten ways to help heal your brain
Many brain diseases and disorders are linked to genetic, metabolic and environmental factors. Infectious diseases like malaria, measles, poliomyelitis cause devastating and long-lasting effects on the brain.
Due to the architecture and complexity of the brain, extensive research and studies have been done on how the brain can be repaired and restored to its normal function after injuries. Many attempts have been met with failure and disappointment. However, newer therapies and drugs are showing promise but still at the stage of clinical trial.
Nevertheless, certain lifestyle modification and diet can help improve and restore the brain to its normal function. They include;
- Smoking: Tobacco and cigarette contain toxic substances like nicotine that are deleterious to the brain. Studies have shown that smoking causes the early thinning and degeneration of the cortex. Smoking cessation leads to partial restoration of grey matter thickness, but the process is slow and incomplete
- Alcohol: Chronic alcoholism impair the metabolism of thiamine leading to its deficiency. Thiamine is needed by the brain to utilize glucose and generate the energy required for the neurons to function. Its deficiency leads to Korsakoff syndrome, manifested by lack of coordination, amnesia, confabulation, unsteady gait and dementia. It is highly recommended alcoholics eat well and take vitamin supplement especially vitamin B1.
- Psychoactive drugs and stimulants. Drugs like cocaine damage the blood vessels that provide nutrients to the brain, leading to stroke and eventually brain death. If you want your brain cells to remain healthy, avoiding the use of addictive drugs.
- Fish oil contains two types of omega-3 fatty acids- eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are very essential for the normal development and functioning of the brain throughout all the stages of life. The neurons of the brain are wrapped by a special type of lipid which requires omega-3 for their normal development and repair. Besides fish oil, these substances are also found in walnut, canola oil, soybean oil, and
- Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to irreversible neuronal damage. Neurochemical secreted during active sleep is essential for neuronal repair. Sleeping less than seven to eight hours has been linked to memory loss and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Stress: Researchers have discovered that chronic stress precipitates adverse changes in brain structure and function. During stress, our body releases an excess of cortisol to help us fight infections and inflammation. ‘Good stress’ such as reading for a professional exam, rigorous exercise can help to build a strong and resilient. However, chronic stress weakens the body’s immune system, stimulate the brain stem cells necessary for repair and regeneration to malfunction. Meditation, regular physical activity, and exercise are potent ways we can reduce stress and the cortisol level in our body system.
- Exercise and physical activities: The benefit of exercise on the body cannot be over-estimated. Its benefits stem from its ability to lower blood pressure, reduce insulin resistance, fight infections, and stimulate the release of chemicals and growth factors needed by the brain to stimulate angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) and stimulate neuronal repair. An active life also helps mood and sleep, thereby reducing sleep and anxiety.
- Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Vitamins are crucial to a healthy brain. They help the body to fight toxins that damage the brain and delay mental decline. All B complex of the vitamin is essential for the normal functioning of the brain, most especially Vitamin B6, B12, and Vitamins are necessary for the production of neurotransmitters. This chemical helps neurons in our brain to communicate effectively.
- Avoid activities that demand that are physically demanding and exhaust you mentally.
- Build a healthy relationship: Surrounding yourself with loving and positive friends can help improve your mood, prevent dementia and overall prolong life expectancy.
References
Chronic Stress Can Damage Brain Structure and Connectivity. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201402/chronic-stress-can-damage-brain-structure-and-connectivity
Fit, B., & Alban, D. (2018). Brain Vitamins: Essential for a Healthy Brain. Retrieved from https://bebrainfit.com/brain-vitamins/
Godman, H. (2018). Regular exercise changes the brain to improve memory, thinking skills – Harvard Health Blog. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercise-changes-brain-improve-memory-thinking-skills-201404097110
Publishing, H. (2018). 12 ways to keep your brain young – Harvard Health. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/12-ways-to-keep-your-brain-young
Traumatic brain injury – Symptoms and causes. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557
Traumatic Brain Injury Increases Parkinson’s Risk. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.michaeljfox.org/foundation/news-detail.php?traumatic-brain-injury-increases-parkinson-risk
Wilson, J. (2018). The Paleo Diet & Adrenal Fatigue. Retrieved from https://www.livestrong.com/article/458935-the-paleo-diet-adrenal-fatigue/
