‘Stroke doubles chances of developing dementia’
The Hindu
It also increases risk of heart disease, says expert
Dementia, stroke and heart disease share common risks. Stroke increases the possibility of heart disease and doubles the chances of developing dementia. Risk factors include hypertension, lack of exercise and a diet high on salt, sugar and fats. The common protective factor is educating people on the dangers, said Vladimir Hachinski of Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, Canada.
At the 41st T.S. Srinivasan Endowment Oration titled “Promoting brain health to prevent dementia, heart disease and stroke” held virtually on Saturday, he explained that brain health was essential for physical and mental health, social well-being, productivity and creativity, calling for making brain health the priority worldwide.
Communities should develop common measures and definitions to enhance research and policy and apply comprehensive customised, cost-effective preventive solutions, Dr. Hachinski said. “Stroke, heart disease and dementia, the greatest threats to the brain, are increasing worldwide and the situation will get worse in India.” Even medical practitioners think dementia is a natural part of ageing, a point borne out by the fact that only 27 of the 194 member countries who approved WHO’s global action plan on public health response to dementia, have functioning dementia risk reduction campaigns, he said. Ischaemic heart disease, stroke and dementia are set to affect 158.6 million, 122.4 million and 74.7 million people respectively. Even air pollution played a part. What happens in New Delhi would impact far off Canada, he said. Pollution harmed the heart, stressed the lungs and damaged the brain.