NOW 70pc of the world’s older population lives in developed and developing countries. By 2025, 80pc of them will be living in less developed countries.

Population aging has major social, health and economic consequences. The prevalence of non-communicable diseases and disability increases with age. Poverty is high among older persons. There is increased pressure on social support systems for older persons. Growing burden of diseases and disability and reducing financial and social support in aging population will be a great challenge for societies and governments.

Three neurological diseases of stroke, Alzheimer and Parkinson are more common in aging population. Some 10-20pc people, aged 60-80 years, suffer from one or more of these diseases. Currently more than 30pc 80-years-old people suffer from neurological diseases. Disability due to neurological diseases and other musculo-skeletal diseases is again very high and growing.

The World Federation of Neurology (WFN) has stepped forward to dedicate this year’s World Brain to aging population to increase awareness about treatment and prevention of brain diseases affecting elderly population and improve concepts and means of brain health among young population. Brain damage could be prevented or slowed down and quality of life could be improved for elderly if targeted early in life.

Public awareness and advocacy committee is in process of preparing publicity material for this campaign. The most important target of this campaign is the public. We need to create simple messages in local languages and promote them via electronic, social media, billboards, banner, events, etc.

Our campaign should result in government policies. Another important area of intervention is training general practitioners, nurses and paramedical staff.

Avoid tobacco, control blood pressure, control sugar, control cholesterol, use vitamins (B12 and folate) and anti-oxidants and have a healthy balanced diet, exercise daily, control stress, depression and anxiety, stay mentally, socially and physically active.

Adopt a brain-healthy diet: include antioxidant-rich foods and consider taking vitamin supplements.

Prof ( Dr) Muhammad Wasay

Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2016