This World Brain Day, The Goan takes a closer look at the organ that controls every thought, movement and memory, and the everyday habits that help keep it healthy
One of the most memorable classroom exercises in biology is drawing the human brain, carefully tracing its many squiggles and folds. What may seem like random curves on paper are, in fact, one of the brain’s greatest strengths. These folds increase the brain’s surface area, allowing it to house billions of neurons within the limited space of the skull, making it one of the most complex organs in the human body.
Weighing about 1.4 kilograms and protected by cerebrospinal fluid inside the skull, the brain acts as the body’s control centre. Every thought, memory, emotion, movement, heartbeat and breath is directed by this remarkable organ. Observed every year on July 22, World Brain Day, an initiative of the World Federation of Neurology, serves as a reminder that brain health is about more than treating disease. It is equally about protecting the brain from injury and maintaining habits that keep it functioning well throughout life.
“When we talk about brain health, there are two aspects, structural and functional,” says Dr Viney N Jindal, consultant neurosurgeon and former Dean of Goa Medical College. “Structural health refers to protecting the brain from conditions such as tumours, strokes and injuries, while functional health relates to how well the brain performs its various tasks,” he adds.
Healthy body, healthy mind
According to Dr Jindal, brain health is closely linked to the health of the rest of the body. “Controlling blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol is important because these conditions directly affect the brain. Along with a healthy diet, the brain also needs regular exercise through activities such as reading, solving crossword puzzles, playing chess or Sudoku, and learning new skills,” he says.
Modern lifestyles have introduced new challenges as well. Excessive screen time and prolonged use of social media, particularly among younger people, are increasingly becoming a concern. “Excessive screen usage definitely affects the functioning of the brain. It also puts considerable strain on the eyes, especially in younger age groups. If addressed early, these effects can often be reversed, but prolonged exposure may have lasting consequences,” Dr Jindal explains.
Recognising risks and busting myths
Unlike many people assume, the brain does not perform a single task. Different regions are responsible for different functions, including speech, vision, movement, balance, memory and smell. As a result, symptoms vary depending on the area affected. “If a tumour develops in the speech centre, speech may be the first thing to be affected. The symptoms depend on the part of the brain involved,” he says. Recognising those symptoms early is essential. Dr Jindal advises seeking medical attention without delay whenever persistent neurological symptoms appear. “The first step should always be to consult a qualified medical professional. Based on the symptoms, examination and medical history, investigation can identify structural problems like tumours or blood clots,” he says.
Ageing naturally brings changes to the brain, but growing older does not necessarily mean losing mental abilities. “The brain gradually shrinks with age, but that does not automatically affect its function. What often has a greater impact are lifestyle diseases,” Dr Jindal notes. Nutrition also plays a key role. The brain is made up of nearly 60 per cent fat and depends primarily on glucose as its source of energy. “Very low blood sugar is dangerous for the brain, but persistently high blood sugar is equally harmful. Maintaining balanced nutrition is therefore essential,” he explains.
While several facts about the brain are backed by science, it has also long been surrounded by myths and misconceptions. One of the most common is the belief that humans use only 10 per cent of their brain. Dr Jindal dismisses this as a myth. “There is no scientific way to measure the exact percentage of the brain being used. It is not true that people use only 10 per cent of their brain. Different parts of the brain become active depending on the activity being performed,” he says.
Prevention begins with daily habits
While treatment options for neurological disorders have improved significantly over the years, Dr Jindal believes prevention remains the best approach. “Many conditions that were once considered incurable can now be treated or effectively controlled. Even so, preventing disease is always better than treating it. A balanced diet, regular physical exercise, mental exercise, adequate sleep and a healthy lifestyle remain the best way to protect the brain,” he says.
The brain never truly switches off. Even during sleep, it continues regulating the body’s essential functions, processing information and forming memories. Caring for it, therefore, extends far beyond a single day of awareness. Small lifestyle choices made every day, from eating well and staying active to exercising the mind and seeking timely medical care, can help keep the body’s most complex organ healthy for years to come.
