The study shows that, over the last three decades, the number of people living with or dying from such pathologies has increased (by 59% and 41%, respectively) due to the aging of the population and the influence of environmental, metabolic or unhealthy lifestyle factors that constitute risk factors for some of these pathologies (e.g., stroke and dementia).
The authors also focus on preventable risk factors and stress that high blood pressure, smoking or high blood glucose levels are variables that favor neurological pathologies, such as stroke or Alzheimer’s disease. “In 2021, 84% of stroke-associated DALYs were potentially preventable if exposure to 18 identified risk factors were decreased,” the authors summarize. In this regard, Porta mentions three healthy lifestyle tips that help prevent brain pathologies: “Physical exercise, adequate sleep patterns and adequate nutrition,” he concludes.