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Rachel V Thomas

Neurological Disorders Emerging As India's Next Major Public Health Challenge, Say Experts

<span>Brain disorders</span> are becoming one of <span>India</span>'s fastest-growing public health challenges, said health experts ahead of Brain Day on July 22.

The experts highlighted that an ageing population, rising lifestyle diseases and limited access to specialist care are contributing to an increasing burden of conditions such as <span>stroke</span>, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/dementia">dementia</a></span> and multiple sclerosis.

<h2>Access Gap Delays Diagnosis, Treatment</h2>

Dr. Madhukar Bhardwaj, Director &amp; Head of Department, Neurology, Aakash Healthcare, said neurological disorders have become one of India's most urgent healthcare concerns.

"Neurological disorders are no longer a concern of a small section of the population—they are one of the most pressing emerging healthcare challenges of our time. In a country as vast and diverse as India, with a rapidly ageing population, this is a matter of urgency. What makes the situation even more worrying is the lack of equitable access to care," he said.

According to the World Health Organization's Global Status Report on Neurological Disorders (2025), India faces a severe shortage of neurologists, with the neurologist-to-patient ratio nearly 80 times worse than in high-income countries, leaving specialist care concentrated in major cities.

<h2>Stroke Increasingly Affects Younger Adults</h2>

Experts also highlighted a worrying shift in disease patterns, with strokes increasingly affecting younger people. Dr. Bhardwaj said strokes, once considered a disease of older adults, are now being seen more frequently among people in their 30s and 40s, underscoring the need for greater awareness and prevention.

<h2>Lifestyle Diseases Driving Brain Disorders</h2>

Doctors identified uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, chronic stress, physical inactivity and poor sleep as major contributors to the rising burden of neurological diseases.

Dr. Rajas Deshpande, Consultant and Head of Neurology, Jupiter Hospital, Pune, said many neurological conditions share common lifestyle-related risk factors.

"Controlling hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking and physical inactivity can significantly reduce the risk of stroke and vascular dementia. Prevention deserves as much attention as treatment because many neurological disorders share common modifiable risk factors," he said.

<h2>Early Diagnosis Can Improve Outcomes</h2>

Dr. Bhardwaj stressed that many neurological disorders progress silently, making early diagnosis critical.

"Whether it is stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease or memory disorders, early diagnosis can significantly improve outcomes. Unfortunately, many patients seek specialist care only after the disease has advanced, either because symptoms are ignored or because neurological services are not easily accessible. Greater public awareness and timely referrals are essential," he said.

<h2>Brain Health Linked to Women's Reproductive Health</h2>

Experts also emphasized that brain health extends beyond cognition. Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, Consultant Gynecologist &amp; IVF Specialist, Lilavati Hospital Mumbai and Fortis Hospitals Delhi &amp; Chandigarh, said the brain plays a central role in regulating women's reproductive health.

"Brain health plays a critical role in women's reproductive health. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain regulate the hormonal signals that control menstruation, ovulation, and pregnancy," he said.

He added that chronic stress, neurological disorders, pituitary diseases and certain medications can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, infertility and pregnancy-related complications.

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World Brain Day

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Brain disorders are becoming one of India's fastest-growing public health challenges, said health experts ahead of Brain Day on July 22.The experts highlighted that an ageing population, rising lifestyle diseases and limited access to specialist care are contributing to an increasing burden of conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, dementia and multiple sclerosis.Access Gap Delays Diagnosis, TreatmentDr. Madhukar Bhardwaj, Director & Head of Department, Neurology, Aakash Healthcare, said neurological disorders have become one of India's most urgent healthcare concerns."Neurological disorders are no longer a concern of a small section of the population—they are one of the most pressing emerging healthcare challenges of our time. In a country as vast and diverse as India, with a rapidly ageing population, this is a matter of urgency. What makes the situation even more worrying is the lack of equitable access to care," he said.According to the World Health Organization's Global Status Report on Neurological Disorders (2025), India faces a severe shortage of neurologists, with the neurologist-to-patient ratio nearly 80 times worse than in high-income countries, leaving specialist care concentrated in major cities.Stroke Increasingly Affects Younger AdultsExperts also highlighted a worrying shift in disease patterns, with strokes increasingly affecting younger people. Dr. Bhardwaj said strokes, once considered a disease of older adults, are now being seen more frequently among people in their 30s and 40s, underscoring the need for greater awareness and prevention.Lifestyle Diseases Driving Brain DisordersDoctors identified uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, chronic stress, physical inactivity and poor sleep as major contributors to the rising burden of neurological diseases.Dr. Rajas Deshpande, Consultant and Head of Neurology, Jupiter Hospital, Pune, said many neurological conditions share common lifestyle-related risk factors."Controlling hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking and physical inactivity can significantly reduce the risk of stroke and vascular dementia. Prevention deserves as much attention as treatment because many neurological disorders share common modifiable risk factors," he said.Early Diagnosis Can Improve OutcomesDr. Bhardwaj stressed that many neurological disorders progress silently, making early diagnosis critical."Whether it is stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease or memory disorders, early diagnosis can significantly improve outcomes. Unfortunately, many patients seek specialist care only after the disease has advanced, either because symptoms are ignored or because neurological services are not easily accessible. Greater public awareness and timely referrals are essential," he said.Brain Health Linked to Women's Reproductive HealthExperts also emphasized that brain health extends beyond cognition. Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, Consultant Gynecologist & IVF Specialist, Lilavati Hospital Mumbai and Fortis Hospitals Delhi & Chandigarh, said the brain plays a central role in regulating women's reproductive health."Brain health plays a critical role in women's reproductive health. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain regulate the hormonal signals that control menstruation, ovulation, and pregnancy," he said.He added that chronic stress, neurological disorders, pituitary diseases and certain medications can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, infertility and pregnancy-related complications.

neurological disorders emerging as india's next major public health challenge, say experts

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