### Understanding the Rise in Strokes Among Younger People Strokes, traditionally seen as a condition affecting older adults, are increasingly being reported among younger individuals. A recent study by the CDC highlights a significant rise in self-reported stroke incidents among people aged 18 to 44 and 45 to 64 from 2011-2013 to 2020-2022. Specifically, there was a 14.6% increase among the 18-44 age group and a 15.7% increase among the 45-64 age group. The CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report included this data, which was gathered through the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Participants were asked if a doctor or health professional had ever told them they had a stroke. Across all age groups, stroke reports increased by 7.8% during this period, reversing a previous decline of 3.7% from 2006-2010. Researchers suggest that rising obesity rates and the opioid epidemic may be contributing to this trend. From 1999-2000 to 2017-2018, obesity rates among males increased from 27.5% to 43%, and among females from 33.4% to 41.9%. The highest obesity rate in 2017-2018 was 44.8% among people aged 40 to 59. Additionally, there was an increase in hospitalizations for opioid-related strokes among people under 45 from 2006 to 2015. The study also found demographic differences in stroke reports from 2011-2013 to 2020-2022. Stroke reports increased by 9.3% among women, 6.2% among men, 7.8% among Black adults, 7.2% among White adults, 16.1% among Hispanic people, and a staggering 52.3% among Native Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders. Ohio and Tennessee reported the largest increases, with 20.9% and 20.7% respectively. Understanding these demographic factors and disparities in stroke prevalence can help focus efforts on improving prevention and treatment at both state and national levels. Stroke remains the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., making it crucial to address these rising trends among younger populations.