Study Links Lower Mental Ability in Youth to Higher Stroke Risk
Lower abilities in concentration and learning during childhood and teenage years may triple the risk of experiencing a stroke before the age of 50, according to new research.
The study, which explores the relationship between mental abilities and health outcomes, indicates that individuals with lower cognitive abilities are at a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. However, previous evidence on this correlation has been inconsistent.
The latest findings, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, provide new insights into this link. Researchers from Hebrew University and other institutions analyzed data from over 1.74 million young Israelis, aged 16 to 20, collected during evaluations conducted before their mandatory military service.
“Our study suggests that lower cognitive abilities in adolescence are associated with a markedly increased risk of early stroke,” the researchers stated. “This highlights the importance of early mental health interventions and cognitive development programs.”
These findings underscore the potential long-term health implications of cognitive development during formative years and the need for targeted strategies to mitigate these risks. The study’s comprehensive analysis offers a clearer understanding of the connection between mental abilities and stroke risk, paving the way for future research and preventive measures.