Every year on July 22, the world comes together to celebrate World Brain Day, a global initiative orchestrated by the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) to highlight the importance of brain health and address the impact of neurological disorders. This year is dedicated to brain health for all ages – from the earliest stages of development, through childhood, adulthood, and into older age.
At the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, our vision is to advance brain health across the lifespan. Through our six clinics and five integrated research programs, our clinical care and research covers a variety of areas ranging from neurodevelopment to dementia. Join us as we learn more about how to stay healthy across each stage of brain health.
Pre-conception:
A parent’s health and habits shape a child’s brain even before birth. This includes alcohol use, which can affect a child even before the mother realizes that she is pregnant. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) affect around four per cent of Canadians, leading to physical, behavioural and cognitive impairments.
“Currently, there is no known safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy,” Dr. Joanne Weinberg, FASD expert and Professor Emerita, advises.
By raising awareness about this condition and conducting research, we can support communities and promote better health. Read more about FASD here.
Pregnancy:
A mother’s physical and emotional well-being is critical for healthy brain development in the womb. Prenatal and postnatal care, proper nutrition and stress management protect both mother and child.
“During early development, the brain is particularly impressionable,” Dr. Kiran Soma, Professor in the Department of Psychology, explains. “High maternal sucrose consumption can trigger hormonal changes in the fetus that could influence brain function and behaviour later in life.”
His research suggests that a sugary maternal diet could influence stress hormone levels, reward-related behaviours and sex hormones. Consuming less sugar during pregnancy may promote healthier brain development for the child. Read more about this research here.
Childhood:
The early years are an important time for cognitive, emotional and social development. Dr. Janet Werker, University Killam Professor and Canada Research Chair, studies how infants’ brains begin wiring for language through rich, responsive interactions with caregivers.
“Talking to babies in an engaging and turn-taking fashion supports language acquisition,” she explains. “This also helps to establish that essential parent-infant relationship.”
Her findings reinforce the importance of early connection and communication in supporting healthy brain development during the critical early years. Read more about her research here.
Adulthood:
Balanced lifestyle habits—healthy eating, sleep, exercise and stress control—reduce the risk of neurological disorders. Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Healthy Aging, is well known for her work on the beneficial role of exercise.
“Evidence shows that targeted exercises, such as aerobic training and resistance training, can help maintain our thinking skills and brain health as we age,” Dr. Liu-Ambrose explains.
Exercise isn’t just good for your body – it can also benefit your brain. Read more about how exercise can help chronic stroke survivors here.
Late Adulthood:
Staying socially engaged helps preserve independence and quality of life in later years, in addition to regular check-ups for early detection of conditions ranging from mild cognitive impairment to dementia.
The BC Brain Wellness Program, led by movement disorders neurologist Dr. Silke Appel-Cresswell, strives to tackle this challenge by offering research-informed lifestyle and wellness programs for older adults, as well as individuals with chronic brain conditions and their care partners.
“Our program aims to promote well-being in individuals with chronic brain conditions and enhance healthy aging through exercise, arts, nutrition, mind care and education,” Dr. Appel-Cresswell says. Learn more about her lab here.
Brain health across the lifespan
From pre-conception through late adulthood, brain health is shaped by our choices, environments, and relationships. On World Brain Day, we celebrate the research that helps us protect and promote brain health at every stage of life.
