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Susan didn’t give brain disorders much thought, until she realized that she and her husband, both 40, lost grandparents to Alzheimer’s. Her father-in-law is recovering from a stroke; her mother is bi-polar; her husband suffers with migraines and her youngest daughter also gets debilitating headaches; her eldest daughter has been diagnosed with
ADD; and Susan herself suffered severe post-partum depression. “We hear a lot about heart disease, cancer and diabetes,” states Susan, but
we don’t hear about the brain. Why not?” |
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Nearly every Canadian knows someone with a brain disorder. It’s a hard fact that one in three Canadians will experience a brain disease, disorder or injury during their lifetime, according to NeuroScience Canada (2004). President and CEO Inez Jabalpurwala states, “We believe the statistic is actually much higher, and as we improve our ability to diagnose these disorders and to measure their direct and indirect costs, we will see the true extent of this health crisis. The grouping of brain disorders has significant social and economic costs, for individuals, families and Canadian society as a whole.”
Life with a brain disorder is fraught with obstacles. Depending on the part of the brain involved, all aspects of the human experience can be affected – from walking and talking to how you think and feel. Sometimes the disability is visible, but often brain disorders cause invisible disabilities that are difficult for others to recognize and understand. Very often, individuals affected by a brain disorder need a tremendous amount of ongoing care and support to navigate the challenges of daily life.
The last frontier
Understanding the brain has improved in the past 15 years, but we still know very little about how it functions, its capabilities, and what triggers problems. “Canada has some of the world’s best neuroscientists who have made breakthrough discoveries in this field,” reports Jabalpurwala. “It’s a very exciting time for neuroscience research, but the brain is an incredibly complex organ. Unraveling its mysteries will take persistent effort and increased funding from both public and private sources.”
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It’s boss
The brain is responsible for sorting through millions of messages that flow to and from the rest of the body. The central nervous system acts as the transportation system and that, too, is controlled by the brain. When something goes wrong, the impact can be devastating – for the person, and for their family.
In recent years, mental illness and addictions have received attention from government and the media. In response to a breakthrough report from The Senate of Canada entitled: Out of the Shadows at Last: Transforming Mental Health, Mental Illness and Addiction Services in Canada, the federal government committed $240 million over the past two years. The Mental Health Commission of Canada will use these funds to address mental health issues for the next decade.
The commonly known neurological diseases and disorders are Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Tourette Syndrome, ALS, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, ADHD and stroke. Brain and spinal cord injuries are also considered part of this category. Very few are curable and most worsen over time. “The specifics of each condition may be unique,” says Joyce Gordon, CEO of Parkinson Society Canada, “but they all originate in the brain, are often accompanied by mental health issues, and result in very similar health, social and economic outcomes that are devastating for individuals and families.”
Compared to other health priorities, this cluster of brain conditions has received minimal attention from policy makers. “It has been easy to overlook because we haven’t looked at the whole picture. We focus on each condition in isolation,” says Gordon who chairs the recently established Neurological Health Charities Canada (NHCC). “When brought together, we quickly realise the significant health crisis affecting Canadians at every age and stage of life. These are life-long, chronic conditions with huge impact.” The mandate of the NHCC is to position brain conditions as a critical health, social and economic priority for governments and society. The organisation is advocating for a comprehensive brain health strategy. Very recently, the federal government committed $15 million to fund a study of neurological conditions; this is the first step towards a national strategy. |
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 Nourish your brain
Give your brain the best chance for health and longevity. Research shows that the brain requires a balanced diet of protein, complex carbohydrates and good fats. Proteins contain amino acids, which create the neurotransmitters that send and receive messages from one brain cell to another. Complex carbohydrates act as stimulants in the brain, resulting in the release of insulin, which has been linked to good brain performance. Too much insulin diminishes brain performance, however; it’s important to make healthy, natural choices and balance carbs with protein. Omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids help circulation and lower blood pressure, both essential for a healthy brain. Research has determined that drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco and use of illegal drugs promote mental decline.
 Exercise your brain
When it comes to the brain, ‘use it or lose it’. We exercise the body to keep muscles and bones strong, but it’s also good for our brains. Physical exercise improves circulation, reduces stress, and literally clears our heads. Mental exercise – like learning a new language, doing crossword puzzles and brainteasers, taking up a new hobby, or reading – is equally important. Brain activities keep pathways functioning and combats mental decline that can begin well before age 40. |
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 Protect your brain
Modern medicine can’t fix a broken brain caused by a head injury. However, a relentless commitment to safety can reduce head trauma dramatically:
• Wear a helmet motorcycling or skiing; on a scooter, skateboard or snowboard
• Always wear your seatbelt
• Approach work and sporting situations with a ‘safety-first’ attitude
• Consumption of alcohol and illegal drugs can lead to falls, mishaps or accidents.
 Rest your brain
Brains repair themselves when we sleep. Poor sleep leads to fatigue and a weakened immune system, making it almost impossible to achieve optimal brain performance. If you have trouble sleeping on a regular basis, talk to your doctor. Chronic sleep disorders may be an early symptom of a complex brain disorders.
Susan admits it’s been difficult to talk about brain issues in the past and, “We need to start addressing the brain as one very important organ. The brain controls everything and when it’s not working, the impact can be devastating.” H&L
For additional information on brain disorders, visit www.neurohealthcharities.ca |
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