Baibing Chen shares regrets about sugary drinks and brain health

In a recent publication, neurologist and brain health advocate Dr. Baibing Chen reflected on his younger years and shared three significant regrets related to his health choices. He specifically highlighted his daily consumption of soda and its detrimental effects on health. During his teenage years, he often drank one or two cans of soda every day, unaware of the potential long-term risks. Excessive sugar intake has been linked to increased risks of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, a concern that many young people may overlook. In addition to dietary habits, Dr. Chen discussed the hazards of loud music exposure through headphones, which he indulged in during his youth without realizing the consequences. The irreversible damage to cochlear hair cells caused by high volumes can lead to long-term hearing loss, which several studies have shown correlates with cognitive decline and dementia in later life. Although he still enjoys listening to music while working out, he has since adopted safer practices, such as keeping the volume below 60% and limiting listening time to no more than an hour daily. Lastly, Dr. Chen raised concerns about the lack of understanding regarding the importance of sleep during adolescence. Adequate sleep is critical for brain health, impacting development, memory consolidation, emotional processing, and even waste clearance in the brain. He emphasized that while poor sleep quality has detrimental effects, developing better sleep habits can reverse some cognitive and behavioral issues. Through these reflections, Dr. Chen hopes to encourage younger individuals to learn from his mistakes and adopt healthier lifestyles that prioritize nutrition, hearing health, and sleep hygiene, all essential components for maintaining cognitive function and overall brain health as they age.