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Based on decades of research, the Southeast has been called the “Stroke Belt.” A new study expanded on those findings, specifically focusing on where people lived the first three decades of life and its effect on long-term brain health.
The results are troubling. Those born and raised in this region were 51% more likely to develop cognitive impairment than those who weren’t, likely because risk factors attributed to stroke and cognitive decline, including smoking and high blood pressure, are more common.
Along with lifestyle habits, like diet and exercise, these form early on, playing a role in damaging brain health.
– MaryGrace Williams, 360 Media, Inc.