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People who have suffered a stroke are more likely to develop dementia, as per a recent study by the University of Exeter Medical School. The link between stroke and dementia was found to persist even after considering other dementia risk factors such as blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A history of stroke increases dementia risk by about 70%, and recent strokes more than double the risk.

The WHO estimates indicate that globally there are about 15 million people who suffer from stroke annually. There are also 50 million people suffering from dementia. The number is expected to almost double every 20 years, reaching 131 million by 2050. Stroke is a major health concern worldwide, with the burden in India increasing at an alarming rate. Tips to prevent a stroke:

• Control high blood pressure
• Moderate exercise 5 times a week
• Eat a healthy balanced diet high in fruit vegetables and low in sodium
• Reduce your cholesterol.
• Maintain a healthy BMI or waist to hip ratio
• Stop smoking and avoid second-hand exposure
• Reduce alcohol intake: For men two drinks a day and for women, one a day
• Identify and treat atrial fibrillation
• Reduce your risk from diabetes by controlling your blood sugar
• Get educated about stroke