Trichy: Due to erratic food habits, the incidence of ‘young stroke’ (stroke suffered by people below 40 years of age) and early dementia has increased among people in Trichy, according to neurologists. They said that around one out of every four stroke patients are below 40 years of age, while the onset of dementia – which generally occurs at more than 60 years of age – is much earlier among people now. Improper diet was attributed to be one of the major reasons for both, apart from other modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.The doctors spoke about this to TOI on the occasion of National Brain Week, which is observed from December 18 to 24. The theme of this year’s National Brain Week is ‘Brain and diet’.Giving an example of how improper food habit could lead to stroke at a very young age, doctors cited the case of a 16-year-old boy, who suffered from stroke in January this year. According to Dr A Veni, assistant professor at the department of neurology at KAP Viswanatham Government Medical College, who treated the Class XI boy, while he had an otherwise healthy lifestyle, he suffered stroke only because of eating junk food. “When it comes to the case of the Class XI student, there was neither a family history and nor did he have any other health issue. But when I enquired, I came to know that he almost totally neglected vegetables and only ate parotta, pizza and other junk fund,” Veni said.It has been said that at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital (MGMHG) on an average, six to seven new stroke cases are reportedly treated in a day, out of which one to two are below 40 years of age.Speaking about why dementia and other memory loss conditions were occurring among people at the age of 50 itself, Dr M A Aleem, former president of Tamil Nadu Pondicherry association of neurologists said that eating carbohydrate-rich food, having carbonated drinks, food that’s full of trans fat were the main reasons. He also said that binge-eating was more prevalent among the millennial generation and that it’s potentially very harmful. “When people have too much of such food, it increases blood pressure, which causes blood vessel damage and eventually results in dementia and other memory loss conditions,” he said and added that per month, he treated at least 10 people with such conditions in the age group of 50.About stroke, Aleem said, “There’s an international study that says one in four people globally will have a stroke at age of 25 or above, because of dietary habits and lifestyle changes. Same is the case in Trichy too.”Head of the brain and spine Centre at Kauvery Hospital, Dr Jos Jasper said increase in sugar intake – especially by the people with diabetes – could result in brain degeneration, which could cause dementia.According to nutritionists, having normal amount of food three times a day in regular intervals, adding enough vegetables and fruits in everyday diet is very essential for a healthy brain. Having large amount of food late at night is said to be very hazardous and they suggested that people should eat at least two hours before sleep. “Nuts – especially walnut and almonds – aid very well in stimulating neuro-transmitters,” said M Jasmin Uhanitha, head of department of nutrition and dietetics at Aiman College of Arts and Science for Women.

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