Stroke prevention plans could help save lives as Thailand enters an ageing society, as age is the strongest risk factor that causes a stroke, says a Prince Mahidol Award winning scholar.
Prof Vladimir Hachinski, a 2016 winner in the field of Public Health, said yesterday strokes can happen at all ages, but as one gets older, the risk is greater.
In principle, 90% of all strokes are preventable. But a prevention plan is needed at the personal, community and national levels, said the Canadian doctor.
Among preventive measures, he suggested the government impose a tax on unhealthy food, to encourage people to have healthy diets.
Dr Hachinski was speaking in the Chakri Throne Hall where he received the award from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. He was awarded for his contribution to fighting strokes and vascular dementia.
Another Prince Mahidol award 2016 was given to Sir Gregory Paul Winter in the field of Medicine who developed a technique to genetically alter the molecules of antibodies to make them compatible with the human immune system.
Dr Hachinski, along with John W Norris, is known for his Machlachlan Stroke Unit, Canada's first acute stroke unit which helps stroke patients of all ages.
Staff working at each unit focus on diagnosis and treatment until they become experts while patients can begin rehabilitation at an early stage, which he said helps account for the centre's success.
Patients are examined carefully and if they have any complications, they can be diagnosed, he explained.
There are a number of stroke units in Canada, with most located in state hospitals where everyone can get equal access to the unit, he said.
According to Dr Hachinski, in Ontario province, the frequency of strokes has fallen steadily in the past 12 years since the launch of the stroke units, stroke prevention care, stroke campaigns.
Among 10 provinces in Canada, half have stroke prevention strategies. People who have strokes and live in the provinces with such a strategy in place are less likely to die than those who live in the provinces that don't have one, he said.
Dr Hachinski also pointed out there is a link between stroke and dementia. If the risk factors such as high blood pressure and poor diet can be controlled, both threats can be reduced.
He also invented the term "brain attack" for raising awareness among people with stroke symptoms.