Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Healthy habits, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and staying socially connected, are instrumental in maintaining optimal brain health.
In an interview with Aletihad, Dr Usman Moghal, Staff Physician at the Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, emphasised that maintaining brain health starts with simple steps like eating right, noting that “you are what you eat”.
Dr Moghal highlighted the importance of drinking at least two litres of water daily, avoiding excessive caffeine, and eliminating alcohol and smoking, as both are detrimental to brain health.
Elaborating on diet, he said: “What you consume affects your brain chemistry. A balanced diet with healthy fats and whole grains, while avoiding ultra-processed foods, is crucial, and staying well-hydrated also plays a key role.”
Healthy habits like regular exercise and strength training are crucial in addition to diet. “Many studies show that a regular exercise programme is excellent for longevity and brain health. Additionally, sleeping eight to nine hours a day is necessary to maintain overall brain health,” Dr. Moghal stated.
Furthermore, he said that staying socially connected and engaging with others supports overall brain health.
Advancements in NeurologyMoving to the field of neurology, Dr. Moghal pointed out that although there have been advancements over the years, there is still so much to uncover.
Despite predictions of MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and other scientific breakthroughs, the field remains in demand due to the brain’s many unknowns, he said.
“With advancements in genetic therapies and AI, new groundbreaking treatments for neurological diseases have been introduced; Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is at the forefront of offering these innovations. Our neurologists work closely with technology. We provide unique treatments like brain and spinal cord stimulation and Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG), distinguishing us from regional facilities,” Dr. Moghal said.
Drawing attention to the challenges in the field, Dr. Moghal observed that neurology’s complexity can overwhelm both patients and non-specialist physicians.
“Even something as simple as migraines involves complex brain chemistry. Explaining this to patients requires gauging their understanding and gradually educating them, as the brain’s complexity can make it hard for patients to grasp,” he said.
The physician noted that understanding patients’ conditions is crucial, as neurological diseases might evolve over time, leading to overwhelming symptoms. He recalled a success story demonstrating the impact of the Neurological Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. “One memorable case was a 35-year-old with a brain clot in a critical area. Despite the damage, our Center of Excellence for Stroke effectively treated him, showcasing our expertise in handling complex cases.
The patient left in five days with only a mild headache,” Dr Moghal said, illustrating the hospital’s success in stroke care.
In another instance, a 42-year-old with left-sided weakness had a clot removed within 30 minutes. According to the physician, the patient experienced only mild hand weakness and made a rapid recovery after the surgery.
Patient Education Dr. Moghal stressed that patient education is vital for managing neurological conditions. “Most of our time with patients is about education. Many diseases, like migraines, do not have cures but treatment options. Educating patients about triggers like skipping breakfast, sunlight, and dehydration is crucial for their overall well-being and quality of life.”
