Honoring World Brain Health Day: 30 Years of Caring for North Texas Minds
Kane Hall Barry Neurology has been advancing brain health across North Texas for three decades.
Since opening our doors in 1995, we’ve walked alongside the North Texas community through life-changing diagnoses, daily management of chronic neurological conditions, and the pursuit of healthier minds. On this World Brain Day, we’re proud to reflect on where we’ve been—and where we’re headed to support the brain health of our neighbors in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
A Legacy of Brain-Centered Care in DFW
Our journey began in 1995 with one clinic and a shared vision:
“To advance neurological care in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex through innovative treatments, compassionate care, and steadfast commitment to patient-centered excellence.”
Today, with multiple locations across Bedford, Keller, and Mansfield, we continue that mission by offering several services and diagnostic testing including:
- Nerve Conductions & Electromyography
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Evoked Potential
- Vascular Testing
- Spirometry Testing
- Home Sleep Testing
- Neuropsychological & Cognitive Testing
But our commitment goes beyond the exam room. As part of the North Texas community, we’re here to educate, empower, and equip patients and families to take charge of their brain health—starting now.
Why Brain Health Matters in Every Season
Brain health isn’t just a concern after a diagnosis. It’s a lifelong investment. Poor sleep, unmanaged stress, chronic inflammation, dehydration, and lack of movement can all negatively affect the brain. In a climate like North Texas, where summer heat often soars above 100°F, additional precautions are needed to avoid complications like heat stroke, which can cause permanent neurological damage if not treated promptly.
North Texas Heat and the Brain: What You Need to Know
Heat stroke can result in confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, and even death due to the brain’s inability to regulate internal temperature. Older adults and individuals with chronic neurological conditions are especially vulnerable.
Tips to protect your brain in the summer:
- Stay hydrated: Aim for at least 8–10 cups of water per day. Dehydration affects cognitive function and worsens fatigue and dizziness.
- Avoid peak heat: Stay indoors between 10 AM and 4 PM when temperatures are highest.
- Wear a hat and use SPF: Protect your head and skin to reduce heat absorption.
- Check on vulnerable neighbors: Older adults and those with neurologic conditions may not recognize signs of overheating.
6 Evidence-Based Ways to Promote Brain Health—All Year Round
- Move your body
Regular aerobic activity increases blood flow to the brain and helps prevent cognitive decline. Even a brisk 30-minute walk five days a week makes a difference.
Evidence: Exercise boosts neurogenesis and slows brain atrophy in aging adults.¹ - Fuel your brain with nutritious food
The MIND diet (a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH diets) supports brain health with leafy greens, berries, nuts, and fish.
Evidence: Adherence to the MIND diet is associated with slower cognitive decline and reduced Alzheimer’s risk.² - Prioritize sleep
Deep sleep clears toxins from the brain and supports memory consolidation.
Evidence: Chronic sleep deprivation impairs cognitive performance and increases Alzheimer’s biomarkers.³ - Stay mentally engaged
Challenging your brain with puzzles, reading, or new skills helps build cognitive reserve.
Evidence: Lifelong learning reduces dementia risk.⁴ - Stay socially connected
Meaningful relationships support emotional regulation and cognitive health.
Evidence: Social isolation is linked to faster cognitive decline and increased dementia risk.⁵ - Manage stress effectively
Long-term stress shrinks the hippocampus, a key brain structure for memory. Mindfulness, therapy, and relaxation techniques all support resilience.
Evidence: Chronic stress is neurotoxic. Mindfulness-based stress reduction can improve brain structure and function.⁶
References:
- Dhahbi W, Briki W, Heissel A, Schega L, Dergaa I, Guelmami N, Omri AE, Chaabene H. Physical Activity to Counter Age-Related Cognitive Decline: Benefits of Aerobic, Resistance, and Combined Training-A Narrative Review. Sports Med Open. 2025 May 17;11(1):56. doi: 10.1186/s40798-025-00857-2. PMID: 40381170; PMCID: PMC12085549.
- Liu X, Morris MC, Dhana K, Ventrelle J, Johnson K, Bishop L, Hollings CS, Boulin A, Laranjo N, Stubbs BJ, Reilly X, Carey VJ, Wang Y, Furtado JD, Marcovina SM, Tangney C, Aggarwal NT, Arfanakis K, Sacks FM, Barnes LL. Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) study: Rationale, design and baseline characteristics of a randomized control trial of the MIND diet on cognitive decline. Contemp Clin Trials. 2021 Mar;102:106270. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2021.106270. Epub 2021 Jan 9. PMID: 33434704; PMCID: PMC8042655.
- Eugene AR, Masiak J. The Neuroprotective Aspects of Sleep. MEDtube Sci. 2015 Mar;3(1):35-40. PMID: 26594659; PMCID: PMC4651462.
- Schultz SA, Larson J, Oh J, Koscik R, Dowling MN, Gallagher CL, Carlsson CM, Rowley HA, Bendlin BB, Asthana S, Hermann BP, Johnson SC, Sager M, LaRue A, Okonkwo OC. Participation in cognitively-stimulating activities is associated with brain structure and cognitive function in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. Brain Imaging Behav. 2015 Dec;9(4):729-36. doi: 10.1007/s11682-014-9329-5. PMID: 25358750; PMCID: PMC4417099.
- Sbarra, D. A., & Coan, J. A. (2018). Relationships and Health: The Critical Role of Affective Science. Emotion Review, 10(1), 40-54. https://doi.org/10.1177/1754073917696584 (Original work published 2018)
- McEwen BS. Neurobiological and Systemic Effects of Chronic Stress. Chronic Stress (Thousand Oaks). 2017 Jan-Dec;1:2470547017692328. doi: 10.1177/2470547017692328. Epub 2017 Apr 10. PMID: 28856337; PMCID: PMC5573220.
