Why Brain Health?
Our brain is the control centre of our lives – it enables us to think, feel, remember, and move. Yet despite its incredible capabilities, we only use a fraction of its potential in our daily lives.
At the Brain Health Institute of Lanserhof Tegernsee, Professor Dr Stefan Lorenzl – a renowned neurologist and palliative care specialist – is dedicated to the holistic health of the brain. His clear mission: to preserve and enhance mental performance and to prevent neurological diseases before they arise.
1. Early Prevention Instead of Late Therapy
Brain health doesn’t begin in old age – ideally, it starts between the ages of 40 and 60, when the first risk factors may appear. But even later in life, every step counts. The brain remains trainable throughout our lives.
Research shows that even with a family history of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis, lifestyle factors can significantly reduce the risk.
Everyone can actively contribute to their own brain health – regardless of age or genetic predisposition.
2. Take Warning Signs Seriously
Early symptoms of neurological conditions are often overlooked or downplayed. Yet they offer valuable clues and an opportunity to take action in time:
– Difficulty with concentration or memory
– Changes in movement, gait or coordination
– Tremors, falls, or a sense of unsteadiness
– Mood swings or sleep disturbances
– Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Tip: A neurological assessment at the first signs of change can be crucial – many conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s develop gradually and can be influenced more effectively in their early stages.
3. Diagnosis and Analysis: The Holistic Approach at Lanserhof
At the Brain Health Institute at Lanserhof, brain health is assessed in a comprehensive and holistic manner:
– Neurological examination
– Cognitive performance testing
– EEG analysis of brain activity
– Microbiome analysis (gut-brain axis)
– Genetic risk profiling
This personalised diagnostic approach enables tailored prevention and treatment plans.
4. Lifestyle as the Key to Brain Health
Exercise – the best workout for the brain
Physical activity is the strongest stimulus for the brain. It improves blood circulation, stimulates nerve cells, and protects against degeneration:
– Just 30 minutes of daily movement is enough (e.g. walking, gymnastics, walking backwards for coordination)
– Exercise reduces migraine attacks, and improves mood and sleep
Nutrition – brain food for the grey matter
– A balanced Mediterranean diet acts like fertiliser for the brain:
– Plenty of vegetables, fish, olive oil, and antioxidants
– Vitamins (e.g. B vitamins, folic acid, omega-3)
– Sugar in moderation – the brain needs it, but in a healthy form
– Moderate and mindful alcohol consumption
Fasting – regeneration through restraint
Controlled intermittent fasting or medically supervised fasting programmes:
– Promote the breakdown of harmful proteins (e.g. amyloid in Alzheimer’s)
– Activate regenerative metabolic processes in the brain
– Enhance mental clarity, concentration, and cell protection
5. Mental and Social Activity
Our brain needs challenges and social connection:
– Learning languages, reading books, solving puzzles (e.g. Sudoku)
– Daily structure and purposeful tasks, as demonstrated by the famous Nun Study
– Social engagement has been proven to protect against dementia symptoms
– Mindful media consumption: better a book in hand than endless scrolling
Community has a protective effect – not only emotionally, but measurably on a neural level through so-called mirror neurons.
6. The Gut-Brain Connection
The gut influences our mood, concentration, and neurological health through the so-called gut-brain axis.
A healthy microbiome protects against inflammatory processes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s.
– Regular bowel movements
– A fibre-rich diet
– Probiotics and prebiotics
– Fasting supports gut health
7. Individualised Programmes at Lanserhof
At the Brain Health Institute at Lanserhof Tegernsee, you receive personalised health plans:
– A combination of diagnostics, exercise and nutritional therapy, fasting medicine, and mental training
– Even for existing neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s or MS: slowing disease progression and improving quality of life
The goal is not only treatment but active health management – taking personal responsibility, staying motivated, and relying on a scientifically sound foundation.
