A Consultant Neurologist, Dr. Nkechi Obianozie, has called for strict environmental pollution control, warning that air and water pollution significantly increases the risk of neurological diseases that affect brain health.
Obianozie made the call on Wednesday during a telephone interview with reporters to commemorate the 2026 World Brain Day.
The day is observed annually on July 22 to promote awareness and improve access to brain healthcare.
The Consultant Neurologist, who works at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, said pollution has been identified as one of the major environmental risk factors contributing to neurodegenerative diseases.
According to her, studies show that people living near industrial areas and busy highways face a higher risk of developing dementia and other neurological disorders.
She urged the government to strengthen environmental regulations and ensure industries comply with approved pollution standards to safeguard public health.
“Government should enforce minimum distances between industrial facilities and residential communities to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.
“There is also a need for regular monitoring of air and water quality to ensure contaminant levels remain within internationally accepted safety limits.
“Protecting the environment is essential to safeguarding brain health and improving the wellbeing and productivity of the population,” she said.
She said the theme for the 2026 World Brain Day, “Brain Health for All”, highlights the need for equitable access to quality brain healthcare.
The neurologist noted that the brain controls movement, memory, thinking, communication, and every aspect of daily human activities.
She stressed that preventing brain diseases is more beneficial than treating conditions after permanent damage has already occurred.
Obianozie also identified stroke as a major condition affecting the brain, noting that uncontrolled hypertension often leads to stroke.
She added that studies indicate that between eight and nine out of every 10 strokes in Nigeria and West Africa are preventable.
“Stroke usually attacks the brain and causes interruption of blood supply to part of the brain, leading to permanent injury.
“Stroke results in weakness, vision loss, memory problems, and other neurological disabilities, depending on the affected brain region.
“Uncontrolled hypertension remains the leading preventable risk factor responsible for stroke and long-term brain damage,” she said.
The consultant urged Nigerians with hypertension to take prescribed medications consistently instead of abandoning treatment when symptoms improve.
She advocated for improved access to healthcare providers capable of screening, diagnosing, and managing conditions affecting brain health across all communities.
The neurologist encouraged Nigerians to adopt healthy lifestyles by consuming more green vegetables and reducing intake of processed foods and refined sugars.
She emphasised the importance of regular physical exercise and continuous mental stimulation through reading, learning new skills, and engaging in intellectually stimulating activities.
According to her, maintaining healthy brain function requires regular medical check-ups and sustained control of blood pressure.
