At 26, you’re supposed to be in the prime of your life, exploring the world and planning the future.
But for South African model and content creator, @jaden_makes_hats, a dream trip to Brazil turned into a terrifying race against time.
After suffering a stroke thousands of kilometers away from home, his journey back to health is serving as a sobering wake-up call: strokes don’t discriminate by age.
Jaden recently shared his frightening experience on Instagram.
Just three days after New Year’s Eve while travelling in Brazil, Jaden woke up suddenly unable to speak, a classic warning sign of a stroke.
Difficulty speaking or understanding speech is one of the hallmarks of stroke because a lack of blood flow to parts of the brain involved in language can disrupt these functions almost instantly.
At first, Jaden’s condition was misdiagnosed. The first doctor told him he was merely dehydrated. “I felt otherwise,” he wrote, so he sought a second opinion, but was told he was just sleep-deprived.
It wasn’t until a third doctor recognised the seriousness of his symptoms that he was admitted under stroke protocol.
By the time he shared his story, he had already spent three days in hospital.
“I am a fit and healthy person but I was still diagnosed with a stroke,” he added, echoing the disbelief many feel when faced with a condition traditionally associated with older age.
Strokes occur when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted by a blockage (ischaemic stroke) or a burst blood vessel (haemorrhagic stroke), leading to damage in affected brain tissue.
While they are more common in older adults, strokes in younger people are becoming increasingly recognised.
Estimates suggest about 10-15 % of strokes occur in adults under 45, and this number appears to be rising globally.
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In South Africa the trend raises particular concern. The incidence of stroke in younger adults – under 55, is reported at about 20 to 35 per 100 000 people per year, a significant burden given the country’s large young population.
Experts point to the growing prevalence of modifiable risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, smoking and diabetes as key drivers behind this trend.
These conditions contribute to early atherosclerosis, or plaque build-up in blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of clots.
Other factors such as stress, substance use, infections like HIV and genetic conditions that affect blood clotting are also implicated in strokes among younger South Africans.
The rise in strokes among young adults is a reminder that age is not a safeguard.
Swift recognition of symptoms – especially the FAST signs: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call for help – can make the difference between recovery and lasting impairment or worse outcomes.
Jaden’s experience is ultimately a wake-up call: even those who are fit and seemingly healthy can be struck down.
Greater awareness, regular health checks, and proactive management of risk factors are essential if more young lives are to be protected from this devastating condition.
Jaden reiterates: “Your health is your wealth”.
