The brain is arguably the most remarkable organ in a human body. Today, when more and more people are prioritising self-care and conversations around preventive health care are on the rise, it’s pertinent to understand what impacts our brain health. Understanding brain health begins with busting some common myths that refuse to go away, by leveraging evidence-based knowledge, to foster better awareness around neurological well-being.
Myth 1: We only use 10% of our brain
This one has been around for decades, and it was never true. Brain scans consistently show activity across nearly every region, even during sleep. There’s no unused 90 percent sitting in reserve. The brain, for better or worse, is working all the time.
Myth 2: Brain health only matters in old age
Not really. The brain responds to how we live at every stage, not only in the later ones. Diet, activity, sleep and stress all leave their mark over time, and habits picked up in one’s 30s tend to show up, for good or bad, decades later.
Myth 3: Forgetfulness and cognitive decline are an inevitable part of ageing
Misplacing your keys or forgetting a name occasionally isn’t necessarily cause for concern. Often, it comes down to stress, poor sleep, or simply having too much on one’s plate.Age on its own doesn’t mean the brain has to slow down. Certain abilities, such as vocabulary, comprehension and reading emotional cues, often stay steady and sometimes even improve with time2&3. However, if memory lapses start becoming frequent, interfere with everyday tasks, or get pointed out repeatedly by family, it’s worth getting it examined. Catching something early tends to make all the difference.
Myth 4: Crossword puzzles and brain games are enough to keep your brain healthy
Sudoku, crossword puzzles and brain-training apps are genuinely useful, but they aren’t a complete answer on their own3. Brain health depends on several things working together: staying physically active, sleeping well, eating right, staying socially engaged, and continuing to learn. No single habit does all the work.
Myth 5: Nutrition has little impact on brain health
Nutrition plays an important role in supporting brain health, and one of the most researched nutrients is Omega-3, particularly Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). DHA is a key structural component of the brain and contributes to normal brain development and the maintenance of healthy brain function throughout life4.Research suggests that adequate Omega-3 intake may support learning, memory and overall cognitive wellbeing. At the same time, no single nutrient is a magic solution. A recent two-year clinical trial found that high-dose fish oil supplementation did not significantly improve cognitive outcomes in older adults who were already at increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease5. This reinforces that good brain health is built through consistent, long-term healthy habits rather than relying on a single intervention later in life.A balanced diet remains the foundation of brain health. Marine-sourced sources of Omega-3, such as cod liver oil, are one way of providing DHA and EPA, along with Vitamin A, Vitamin D which supports normal vision, immune function and bone health as part of a healthy diet6&7.
The practical takeaway
As a neurologist, one of the most common misconceptions we come across is that brain health only becomes worth paying attention to once symptoms show up. Whereas in reality, the biggest benefits come from taking care of the brain long before the symptoms appear.The science consistently points to a few simple habits that make a meaningful difference. Eat healthy, include nutrients such as Omega-3, stay physically active, get enough sleep, keep the mind engaged through learning and social connection, don’t dismiss memory changes that persist and seek medical intervention at the right time. This World Brain Day, the advice is simple. Don’t wait for a scare to start paying attention to your brain. Small, steady choices maintained over time, matter the most than expected.Prof. Dr. Satish Khadilkar, MBBS, MD (Medicine), DM (Neurology), DNBE, Dean, Medical Faculty, Professor & Head, Department of Neurology – Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences, Mumbai
