Disease prevention is more important in neurology than treatment. This is because treatments are not 100% effective and cure may not be possible. In this presentation, I discuss the evidence-based measures to prevent stroke and dementia. These include adequate sleep, physical activity, eating healthy foods, and reducing stress.

1. Lifestyle Measures to Prevent
Brain Diseases
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Health City Hyderabad

2. Neurological Disease Burden-Stroke

3. Stroke is a common cause of death &
disability

4. Dementia burden is rapidly increasing

5. Number with dementia likely to
double by 2050

6. Risk factors for Stroke
• Hypertension
• Diabetes and prediabetes,
• Dyslipidemia,
• Obesity,
• Sedentary lifestyle,
• Smoking,
• Heavy alcohol consumption,
• Heart diseases,
• Older age & positive family history.

7. Risk factors for Dementia

8. Short sleep duration is unhealthy (1)

9. Sleep deficiency increases disease risk

10. Oversleeping is also unhealthy

11. Greater sedentary time increases
stroke risk

12. Prolonged sitting increases dementia
risk

13. Physical Activity reduces stroke risk

14. Physical activity reduces dementia risk

15. Walking reduces dementia risk

16. Walking reduces CVD/stroke risk

17. Stair climbing is a healthy habit

18. Strength training is healthy

19. Soft drinks are unhealthy

20. Diet quality and stroke risk
• Stroke risk can be reduced by limited
consumption of unhealthy foods, such as
red meat, processed meat, sweets, soft
drinks (sodas), and packaged ultra-
processed salty snacks.
Reference:
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15143229

21. Ultraprocessed packaged foods
increase stroke risk

22. Intermittent fasting
• Associated with weight loss, lower risk of
diabetes, hypertension, stroke and cancer,
• Associated with longevity,
• Mechanisms: calorie restriction and metabolic
switch
• Various methods: time restricted feeding,
alternate day fasting, etc

23. Summary
• Adequate sleep,
• Exercise- aerobic + strength training
• Move- reduce sitting duration, walking breaks
• Consume healthy foods, avoid unhealthy
foods
• Time restricted feeding
• Reduce stress- avoid overworking
• Keep weight, BP, sugar, cholesterol WNL