 |
|
UK study shows substantial reduction in stroke over past 20 years (pp 1920, 1925)
June 09, 2004Results of a study in this week's issue of THE LANCET highlight how improved treatment and management of risk factors have reduced the incidence of stroke by 40% in a region of the UK over the past 20 years.
Stroke is the second largest cause of death worldwide, the largest cause of long-term neurological disability, and the single most costly condition for the UK National Health Service and social services. The rise in the elderly population would be expected to increase the incidence of age-related illness and disability, including stroke. However, improvements in medical and surgical stroke prevention could off-set this anticipated increase in stroke.
Peter Rothwell from the Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, UK and colleagues assessed the changes in stroke and transient ischaemic attack rates in two studies in Oxfordshire, the Oxford Community Stroke Project (OCSP), 1981-84, and the Oxford Vascular Study (OXVASC), 2002-04.
The population aged 75 years or older increased by a third over the 20 years between the two studies. However, age-adjusted occurrence of first stroke was reduced by around 30% in the OXVASC study compared with the expected incidence based on data from the OCSP study. For major disabling or fatal stroke the reduction was 40%. This reduction was associated with increased use of blood-pressure lowering and cholesterol-lowering drugs, and associated substantial reductions in blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors.
Dr Rothwell comments: "Although we cannot prove conclusively that the major fall in stroke incidence is a direct result of the measured increase in use of preventive medication, a causal link is highly likely. There remains significant under-treatment of individuals at risk of stroke in the community and so further major reductions in stroke incidence should be possible." (Quote by e-mail, does not appear in published paper).
In an accompanying Commentary (p 1920), Valery Feigin and Stephen Vander Hoorn (University of Auckland, New Zealand) conclude ' Rothwell and colleagues' state-of-the-art study makes an important contribution to knowledge about stroke epidemiology.'
Lancet
Stroke Current Events and Stroke News RSSStudy Helps Explain Connection Between Sleep Apnea, Stroke And Death
Obstructive sleep apnea decreases blood flow to the brain, elevates blood pressure within the brain and eventually harms the brain's ability to modulate these changes and prevent damage to itself, according to a new study published by The American Physiological Society.
Smokers with stroke in the family 6 times more likely to have stroke too
A new study shows that people who are smokers and have a family history of brain aneurysm appear to be significantly more likely to suffer a stroke from a brain aneurysm themselves.
Arousal frequency in heart failure found to be a unique sleep problem
A study in the Jan. 1 issue of the journal Sleep demonstrates that the frequent arousals from sleep that occur in heart failure patients with central sleep apnea (CSA) may reflect the presence of another underlying arousal disorder rather than being a defensive mechanism to terminate apneas.
University of Maryland researchers identify common gene variant linked to high blood pressure
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have identified a common gene variant that appears to influence people's risk of developing high blood pressure, according to the results of a study being published online Dec. 29, 2008 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Matrix fragments trigger fatal excitement
Shredded extracellular matrix (ECM) is toxic to neurons. Chen et al. reveal a new mechanism for how ECM demolition causes brain damage. The study will appear in the December 29, 2008 issue of The Journal of Cell Biology (www.jcb.org).
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center link blood sugar to normal cognitive aging
Maintaining blood sugar levels, even in the absence of disease, may be an important strategy for preserving cognitive health, suggests a study published by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC). The study appeared in the December issue of Annals of Neurology.
Brain starvation as we age appears to trigger Alzheimer's
A slow, chronic starvation of the brain as we age appears to be one of the major triggers of a biochemical process that causes some forms of Alzheimer's disease.
Rice psychologist identifies area of brain key to choosing words
New research by a Rice University psychologist clearly identifies the parts of the brain involved in the process of choosing appropriate words during speech.
Study examines impact of managed care on stroke prevention surgery
Policymakers and economists often promote managed-care plans based on the assumption that they prevent the overuse of unnecessary surgical procedures or help steer patients to high-quality providers, compared to traditional fee-for-service insurance plans.
Study shows optimal dose management of warfarin improves anticoagulation control
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have determined the optimal dose-management strategy to derive maximal benefit from warfarin therapy and improve patient outcomes. Results of the study appear online in the December 2008 issue of the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
More Stroke Current Events and Stroke News Articles
 | My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey by Jill Bolte Taylor Unabridged CDs • 5 CDs, 5 1?2 hours A brain scientist’s personal experience with a stroke and her journey to a full... |
 | Stroke of Midnight by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Amanda Ashley, L. A. Banks, Lori Handeland Winter Born by Sherrilyn KenyonTwo enemy Were-Panthers discover that fate has destined they become lovers. Pandora must learn to trust Dante's foreign nature. But as she slowly succumbs to the truest passion she has ever known, dark forces have already set out to reclaim her... Born of the Night by Amanda AshleyWhen Lady Shanara Montiori is taken hostage, she learns that the rumors about her... |
 | Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery by Peter G. Levine Billions of dollars are spent each year researching stroke rehabilitation and treatment techniques, but most are not well communicated to patients or caregivers. As a result, many stroke survivors are treated with outdated or ineffective therapies. Stronger After Stroke puts the power of recovery in the reader’s hands by providing easy instructions for reaching the highest possible level of... |
 | A Stroke of Midnight (Meredith Gentry, Book 4) by Laurell K. Hamilton I am Meredith Gentry, P.I., solving cases in Los Angeles, far from the peril and deception of my real home–because I am also Princess Meredith, heir to the darkest throne faerie has to offer. The Unseelie Court infuses me with its power. But at what price does such magic come? How much of my human side will I have to give up, and how much of the sinister side of faerie will I have to embrace?... |
 | Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach by Glen Gillen, Ann Burkhardt This 2nd edition remains the only comprehensive evidence-based text on the Occupational Therapy management of the stroke patient. The book is based on the most up-to-date research on stroke rehabilitation and presents its content in a holistic fashion, combining aspects of background medical information, samples of functionally based evaluations, and treatment techniques and interventions. There... |
 | Stroke Rehabilitation - Guidelines for Exercise and Training to Optimize Motor Skill by Janet H. Carr, Roberta B. Shepherd Univ. of Sydney, Australia. Text, in an unnamed series, provides exercises and training regimes for optimal functional recovery for those who have sustained a stroke. Includes methods to increase strength, endurance, and fitness. Guidelines for training balance, reaching and manipulation, walking, sitting-to-standing, and strength training are also included.... |
 | Living With Stroke: A Guide for Families by Richard C Senelick, Karla Dougherty Stroke doesn’t happen just to an individual, it happens to families, friends, and loved ones. Both HealthSouth and the American Stroke Association have long known this encompassing of stroke—it’s pain, it’s emotional damage, it’s debilitating after effects—not only on the survivors, but the loved ones in its wake. No one knows more that when stroke strikes, you need support,... |
 | Conquering Stroke: How I Fought My Way Back and How You Can Too by Valerie Greene "A true story of triumph over tragedy, this book is a must-have guide for anyone affected by stroke." —William S. Maxfield "Valerie Greene's courage, persistence, and willingness to search for the healing energies within her have shifted her body, mind, and spirit. Her story is an inspiration to all." —Donna Eden Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United... |
 | Donna Dewberry's Complete Book of One-Stroke Painting (Decorative Painting) by Donna Dewberry Painting lovely home accents is easy with Donna Dewberry! Her popular, proven one-stroke technique—which lets you color, shade and highlight all in a single brushstroke—is a cinch to learn, even if you’ve never picked up a brush before. You’ll soon find yourself adorning everything from crystal stemware to mailboxes to the walls of your home with beautifully hand-painted flowers, fruits,... |
 | My Stroke of Luck by Kirk Douglas My stroke taught me so much, and for all that it stole, it gave me even more. In the process of healing, my life has changed for the better. Now I want to share what I have learned. In this vivid and very personal reflection upon his extraordinary life as an actor, author, and legend in his own time, Kirk Douglas offers a candid and heartfelt memoir of where it all went right in his life --... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |