A recent study has highlighted a concerning connection between parental divorce during childhood and a significantly increased risk of stroke later in life, Forbes reports.
According to the research, adults over 65 whose parents divorced before they turned 18 are nearly 60% more likely to experience a stroke compared to those whose parents remained together. This elevated risk is on par with well-established factors like diabetes.
The observational study analyzed data from 13,205 older adults through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The researchers found that the heightened risk persisted even after accounting for other stroke risk factors such as depression, diabetes, and social isolation.
“It is extremely concerning that older adults who grew up in divorced families had 60% higher odds of stroke,” said Esme Fuller-Thomson, the study’s senior author. “The magnitude of the association between parental divorce and stroke was comparable to risk factors such as male gender and having diabetes.”
However, the study was observational, meaning it establishes correlation but not causation. It does not prove that parental divorce directly causes strokes later in life, nor does it explore all potential influencing factors, such as the age at which divorce occurred, type of stroke, or individual health metrics like blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Though the study cannot definitively explain the connection, previous research has identified several potential pathways. Parental divorce is often associated with higher rates of depression, substance addiction, obesity, smoking, and other health conditions that can independently raise stroke risk.
The researchers specifically excluded participants who had experienced physical or sexual abuse to focus on the effects of divorce itself. Even without exposure to those additional traumas, the findings show a strong association between parental separation and later health outcomes.
Stroke remains a major health crisis in the United States, with around 795,000 people affected annually. Approximately 20% of stroke cases result in death, while many survivors face significant long-term challenges, including mobility issues and cognitive impairment. Treating and managing strokes also places a significant economic burden on the country, costing approximately $56.5 billion annually in direct and indirect expenses.
Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke early is critical to minimizing its impact. Symptoms often appear suddenly and may include:
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the body.
- Trouble speaking or understanding speech.
- Vision problems.
- Dizziness, loss of coordination, or difficulty walking.
- Severe headache.
Individuals can reduce their risk of stroke by adopting heart-healthy habits, such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, eating a balanced diet, and ensuring adequate sleep.
