The recent deaths of actor Luke Perry and director John Singleton show stroke can happen to anyone at any age. There is an increasing amount of adults under 50 suffering strokes here in Kentucky.

Between 2003 and 2012, there was an over 36 percent increase in the most common type of stroke in adults 35 to 44, according to a 2017 study published in the American Medical Journal.

University of Louisville Hospital nurse Terry Steinrock said that increase is likely due to a number of lifestyle factors leading to increased risk.

Risk factors include high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, not enough physical activity and genetics.

Mike Brown, board president of the Kentuckiana Stroke Association, said smoking is likely one of the factors that led to his stroke at just 40-years-old.

“At 40 it wasn’t on my mind. As a matter of fact, I didn’t think it was ever possible at 40,” Brown said.

He recalls losing feeling in his leg and the left side of his face started to droop. He was lucky that his husband was able to recognize that as symptoms of stroke, so Brown could get treatment right away.

The University of Louisville Hospital Comprehensive Stroke Center uses the acronym BE FAST to recognize the warning signs of stroke. That stands for

·         Balance lost

·         Eyes Blur

·         Face Drooping

·         Arm Weakness

·         Speech Difficulty

·         Time

Steinrock said early detection is crucial.

“It can be the difference between a normal life or being in a nursing home for 20 to 30 years,” Steinrock said.

For Asia Ford, a stroke at just 31-years-old was one of many things that led her to turn her life around. Over the past six years, she lost over 200 lbs through eating right, making better choices and getting active. Now, she reaches out to others to let them know it is never too late to make better choices.

“Never give up on yourself. Always remember you are your first investment. If you don’t remember anything else, in order for you to be here, you have to invest in you first,” Ford said.

She stresses that small lifestyle adjustments can add up over time to decrease your risk for stroke.