World Brain Day: Observed every year on July 22 to raise awareness about brain health. This year's theme is ‘Brain Health and Prevention’.
Healthy Lifestyle: According to experts, proper diet and exercise are crucial for preventing brain strokes and related diseases.
Rising Brain Strokes: India has seen a 25% increase in brain strokes among the young population (ages 25-40) over the past five years, largely due to sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, smoking, and high-stress urban living.
Risk Factors: Hypertension, diabetes, genetic predispositions, sleep disorders, undiagnosed heart conditions, high stress levels, and pollution significantly contribute to the rise in brain strokes.
Youth Health Measures: Youngsters should adopt healthier lifestyles, engage in regular physical activity, and manage stress to reduce these risks.
Neurological Disease Burden: Neurological disorders account for 10% of the total disease burden in India, mainly due to the ageing population.
Neurodegenerative Changes: Advancing age, especially after 50, leads to neurodegenerative changes in the brain, partly due to reduced dopamine secretion.
Preventive Measures: Avoiding head trauma, eating a balanced diet, not smoking, managing stress, and caring for comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension can prevent or delay neurological illnesses.
Stroke Statistics and Infrastructure: India faces around 185,000 strokes annually. Many hospitals lack the infrastructure for effective stroke treatment, highlighting the need for healthier lifestyles and strengthened neurology services.