Prof. Dr. Murat Terzi, Head of the Department of Neurology at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMÜ) Faculty of Medicine and President of the Turkish Neurological Society, emphasized that brain health is a lifelong process. Terzi said, "Brain health is not a condition that can be confined to a single day. With regular sleep, regular eating habits, and regular physical activities, we need to spread this not just to one day, but to every day. We also need to start this daily program from the womb, from infancy, so that we can create healthy futures with healthy brains."

Prof. Dr. Terzi made statements within the scope of July 22, "World Brain Day," declared by the World Federation of Neurology. He noted that they are conducting awareness campaigns through neurology clinics across Turkey and the Turkish Neurological Society.

Stating that there are many risk factors that negatively affect brain health, Terzi said: "Foremost among these are environmental pollution, electromagnetic fields, salt and cigarette consumption, obesity, and unhealthy eating habits. In addition, we have genetic risk factors. If there is a disease like Alzheimer's, MS, or Parkinson's inherited from the mother, father, or previous generations, this also increases the risk of neurological diseases."

Terzi emphasized that brain health begins in the womb. "The healthier our brains are, the better our future brains and our future will be. For this reason, we particularly emphasize environmental factors and daily life activities. We say, eat better. Adopt a Mediterranean-type diet; we prioritize a diet that is salt-free, fat-free, and rich in vegetables and fruits. Reducing salt consumption, avoiding elements that negatively affect brain health such as cigarettes and alcohol, especially less screen exposure during the day, and staying away from electromagnetic fields like Wi-Fi and phones, at least in enclosed spaces, when we sleep at home in the evening, are important for brain health. It is necessary to pay attention to these from the womb and continue to prioritize them after the baby is born." he stated.

Stating that physical activity is beneficial for brain health, Terzi added: "Walking and exercising at least 2-3 days a week, not gaining weight, and trying to avoid obesity are very important. This is crucial for reducing risk factors such as cerebral vascular occlusions and brain hemorrhages. We have risk factors that need to be controlled, such as hypertension and diabetes. These are harmful to brain health. Therefore, if we have another disease besides a neurological one, these also need to be controlled."

"Brain health is also necessary for our other organs"

Stating that neurological diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and MS are seen more frequently with the increase in the elderly population, Terzi noted: "Diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and MS, which are seen more in the middle and advanced age groups, cause both mental, cognitive, and physical disability. The more we can increase public awareness, the more we can bring our preventive treatments for brain health to the forefront. Once our brain becomes ill, it is necessary to protect the brain against those diseases. For this, we provide our patients with the necessary medication, physical activities, physiotherapy programs, and diet recommendations to help them manage their neurological condition in the best possible way."

Prof. Dr. Terzi emphasized that July 22, World Brain Day, is important for awareness. He concluded his words as follows: "Brain health is not a condition that can be confined to a single day. With regular sleep, regular eating habits, and regular physical activities, we need to spread this not just to one day, but to every day. We also need to start this daily program from the womb, from infancy, so that we can create healthy futures with healthy brains. That's why we say we care about your brain health. Brain health is extremely important. Brain health is also necessary for our other organs. Therefore, this is the most accurate message we can give to our patients. Let's take good care of our brains. If we feel any problems related to this, such as headaches, seizures, difficulty walking, or vision loss, neurology clinics should definitely be visited."

Prof. Dr. Murat Terzi: Regular Life Essential for Brain Health