'Concerning rise in brain strokes among the young population in India'

A healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise along with increased awareness is crucial to tackle the rising cases of brain strokes and other related diseases in the country said experts on World Brain Day on Monday World Brain Day is observed every year on July 22 to amplify awareness and shed light on crucial aspects of brain health The theme this year is lsquoBrain Health and PreventionrsquoNeurological disorders include stroke headache disorders epilepsy cerebral palsy Alzheimerrsquos disease and other dementias brain and central nervous system cancer Parkinsonrsquos disease multiple sclerosis motor neuron diseases and other neurological disordersTherersquos a concerning rise in brain strokes among the young population in India with a 25 per cent increase in cases over the past five years This surge is predominantly seen in people aged 2540 The factors that contribute to the rise are majorly sedentary lifestyles poor dietary habits smoking and highstress levels associated with urban livingrdquo Dr Vikram Huded HOD and director amp clinical lead Interventional Neurology Narayana HealthThe doctor also pointed at the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in increasing the risks In addition genetic predispositions even sleep disorders or undiagnosed heart conditions high stress levels and environmental factors like pollution also significantly contribute to this alarming riseldquoIts imperative for youngsters to adopt healthier lifestyles engage in regular physical activity and manage stress effectively to avoid these risks Early intervention and lifestyle modifications are crucial in combating this alarming trend and safeguarding the health of our younger population Dr Huded saidAs per the estimates of the Indian Council of Medical Research ICMR neurological disorders contribute 10 per cent of the total disease burden in India The growing burden in the country is mainly attributable to the ageing populationldquoWith advancing age especially after 50 years neurodegenerative changes occur in brain areas due to less dopamine secretion in the brainrdquo Dr AK Sahani Director and Chief of Neurology at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre New Delhi told IANSHe noted that ldquochronic anxiety may lead to persistent neuroinflammation linked to Parkinsonrsquos pathogenesisDr Arindam Ghosh Consultant Neurologist Narayana Hospital Kolkata called for increasing ldquomeasures such as avoiding head trauma eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants avoidance of smoking measures to relieve stress like meditation exercises or walking and taking adequate care of comorbidities including diabetes obesity hypertension and dyslipidemiardquoThese simple measures may go a long way in preventing or delaying the progress of several debilitating neurological illnesses the doctor told IANSIn India approximately 185000 strokes occur annually translating to one stroke every 40 seconds and one strokerelated death every 4 minutesDespite these alarming figures many Indian hospitals lack the necessary infrastructure for effective stroke treatment or there is a lack of strokeready hospitals in the country Neurologists emphasise the importance of people adopting healthier lifestyles to prevent strokes and other brain disordersldquoThere is a need to strengthen neurology services and experts call for effective curative actions Neurological treatments are highly individualised depending on the patients condition Common therapeutic approaches include rehabilitation assistive devices and selfcare strategiesrdquo Dr Rajul Aggarwal Director Neurology Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute Delhi told IANSRecent technological breakthroughs such as advanced imaging techniques brainmachine interfaces and deep brain stimulation are transforming diagnostics and treatments offering new hope for those affected by complex neurological disorders he addedThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever