Brainstorming Too Soon!

 If you thought neurological disorders happen only when you are old and grey, think again. These conditions are clocking in way too early for some people. “Over the last decade, young adults have been exposed to pressures that traditionally appeared much later,” says Dr. Sachin Adukia, a Senior Consultant Neurologist at LH Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai. Explaining further that chronic stress and sleep loss, constant connectivity, long work hours and an always-on lifestyle tend to keep the nervous system in a low-grade drain. We are living in history’s most cognitively demanding era. Our ancestors hunted mammoths. We hunt for Wi-Fi signals. But the effects seem to draw parallels – stress hormones pumping, adrenaline firing, and the brain constantly running an emotional marathon!

Dr Sachin adds, “Today we see neurological conditions and symptoms in people anywhere between 18 to 45 years old, while this used to be considered the healthiest phase of life. Today, the gears have shifted.” This shift usually stems from early high-intensity routines such as competitive academics, excessive screen time, inconsistent sleep patterns and work life that only gets demanding.

Dr Sachin explains, “These long-term stressors make the brain more susceptible in this age bracket, which also means that symptoms in young adults should not be dismissed as just stress.”

The Grey Matter

Neurologists report a steady rise in conditions such as early onset of Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis (MS), epilepsy and even Stress-Driven Functional Neurological conditions (FND) among younger people. Strokes are also very common among youth today.

Dr Joy Mounica, Consultant Neurologist, Renova Hospitals, from Hyderabad says, “The rising cases of stroke in the youth is majorly attributed to lifestyle habits like excessive stress, physical activity, illicit drug use, smoking, alcohol abuse or excessive consumption of processed and high fatty food.” There are growing incidences of Early-Onset Parkinson’s Disease (EOPD) among young adults (i.e. 21–39 age group).

Dr Joy explains that “YOPD is known to produce symptoms such as tremor, stiffness or slowness or worse, frequent falls between 21–39 years of age.” Unlike lifestyle-driven neurological disorders, YOPD is predominantly linked to underlying genetic mutations, making early identification essential yet inherently challenging. As she emphasises, “This, she believes, is mostly attributed to genetic mutations and hence, is largely challenging to treat.”

Dr Sachin adds, “Migraine is one such symptom that often goes unnoticed but continues to remain the most frequent, driven by sleep deprivation, stress, sensory overload and erratic routines.” Not just eating and consumption patterns, but things such as prolonged sitting or screen time could affect sleep and posture, all could form an army affecting one’s neurological health. According to Dr Sachin, heredity contributes to neurological risk, particularly in conditions such as early-onset Parkinson’s, certain forms of epilepsy, and specific neuromuscular disorders.

He also emphasises that genetics rarely acts in isolation. Environ-mental exposures, lifestyle patterns, and overall health significantly influence whether these genetic tendencies actually manifest. While genetic testing is now more widely accessible, Dr Sachin notes that it should always be paired with professional counselling to interpret results appropriately and avoid unnecessary anxiety.

Help At Hand

Neurologists and experts opine that many neurological conditions are far more manageable when diagnosed and treated earlier. What adds as a barrier is that symptoms may usually fluctuate in an “on and off” pattern, which often delays evaluation. Dr Joy adds, “Early diagnosis of neurological conditions helps immensely to reduce the mortality rate, which improves the quality of life and reduces the burden on the caregiver.” Treatment options for starters could range anywhere from a multidisciplinary approach, such as lifestyle tweaks to consumption of a nutrient-rich diet and incorporating some form of physical exercise in everyday routines.

Dr Sachin cautions, “Persistent headaches, tingling numbness, tremors or imbalances, memory changes, visual disturbances or seizures should never be ignored.” Even mild but recurring episodes of these could signal a bigger problem. Dr Sachin’s advice to the youth: “They need to remember that the sensory system thrives on routine: consistent sleep, regular activity, hydration, balanced meals and mental calm.”

Other things that could help include mindfulness apps, wearables and digital health tools to support healthier habits. Neurological conditions are no longer waiting until later life. They’re hitting young adults in their prime. Recognising and addressing these early-onset struggles isn’t optional. It’s urgent.