Lifestyle neuropathology: how our behavior harms our brains and what we can do about it

Excerpt

The most common neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and brain injury are not solely the result of fate or unfavorable genetics. In fact, major brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and stroke are highly influenced by lifestyle patterns, such as smoking, obesity, education, and reduced cognitive, physical and social activity. Other harmful activities of life lead to brain impairment and pathology per se; these include alcoholism, use of illicit drugs, exposure to environmental toxins, chronic stress, and engagement in sports that feature repeated head impact. In addition, lifestyle factors may alter the relation of pathology to neurological symptoms. For example, more cognitive activity and better education may decrease the probability of dementia for any given level of neuropathology by increasing cognitive reserve. …