Strokes Age the Brain by Eight Years

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States. Approximately 795,000 people suffer from strokes each year, three quarters of them being over the age of 65 years.

A study was undertaken by a team of researchers at the University of Michigan whereby 4,900 black and white men and women, ages 65 years and older were analyzed over a number of years before and after the incident of a stroke.  Detailed tests of memory and thinking speed were assessed over a number of years.  Specifically, participants with no previous history of health issues, stroke, dementia or any other cognitive issues before their first stroke, were studied.

It was determined that racial difference does not impact the effects of the stroke.  Overall, strokes have serious repercussions on a person’s brain function and can rob the memory and cognitive health by as much as eight years.  This evidence communicates the need for all ethnic races to take necessary precautions to try and reduce the risk of a stroke, including controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, controlling blood sugar, avoiding smoking and exercising regularly, even in old age.