World Brain Day: Expert Highlights Importance of Identifying Risk Factors That Can Affect Long-Term Brain Health

OMICS expert says personalized assessment of genetic, metabolic and lifestyle factors can help individuals better understand and manage cognitive health

DUBAI, UAE, July 20 – Ahead of World Brain Day, and expert from the UAE’s OMICS Precision Health is encouraging individuals to think proactively about their brain health. According to Dr. Fernando Poras, a functional medicine doctor, while many people only seek help once memory or cognitive problems become noticeable, a comprehensive assessment of risk factors may identify opportunities to support healthy brain function earlier.

“Brain health is influenced by a wide range of interconnected factors, including cardiovascular health, sleep quality, nutrition, metabolic function and, for some individuals, genetic predisposition,” says Dr. Fernando. “Rather than waiting for symptoms to develop, a personalized assessment can help build a clearer picture of an individual's current health and identify areas where lifestyle or medical interventions may support long-term cognitive wellbeing.”

According to the World Federation of Neurology, which organizes World Brain Day each year on July 22, more than 3.4 billion people worldwide are living with neurological conditions, making them the leading cause of ill health and disability globally.

Dr. Porras explains that no single test can determine a person's future cognitive health. Instead, clinicians consider multiple factors together, including biomarkers, medical history, family history, lifestyle habits and, where appropriate, genetic information, to build a more complete picture of an individual's overall health and identify risk factors that may be addressed.

Among the most important factors affecting long-term brain health are cardiovascular and metabolic health. Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol have all been associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline over time, highlighting the importance of managing these conditions through appropriate medical care and healthy lifestyle choices.

Sleep, nutrition and physical activity also play a significant role. According to Dr. Porras, consistently poor sleep, a diet high in ultra-processed foods and prolonged physical inactivity can contribute to metabolic dysfunction and chronic inflammation, which are increasingly recognised as factors that may affect long-term brain health. “Simple lifestyle measures such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, prioritizing good-quality sleep and reducing long periods of sitting can have wide-ranging benefits for overall health, including the brain, he says.

Rather than relying on a single test or result, Dr. Porras says clinicians are increasingly looking at multiple aspects of a person's health together. “At OMICS Precision Health, for example, we assess lifestyle factors alongside biomarkers, metabolic and cardiovascular health, cognitive function and, where appropriate, genetic information to help build a more complete understanding of an individual's health profile.”

Dr. Porras stresses that these assessments are designed to understand an individual's current health profile and potential risk factors, rather than diagnose future neurological disease. Where symptoms or findings suggest an underlying neurological condition, patients are referred to the appropriate specialist for further investigation and management.

“Brain health is closely connected to every aspect of our overall health,” Dr. Porras concludes. “While no assessment can predict exactly what will happen in the future, understanding your personal risk factors gives you the opportunity to address those that are within your control. Taking action before problems become apparent may help support healthy cognitive function and overall wellbeing throughout life.”