Stroke rates are rising in younger adults, study finds

A study published September 23, 2026, in Neurology® found that strokes are becoming more common among younger adults. Researchers looked at stroke trends in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region over nearly three decades. They found that stroke rates increased steadily among adults ages 20 to 54.

During the study period, the overall stroke rate rose from about 34 cases per 100,000 people to about 62 cases per 100,000 people. Much of that increase came from ischemic strokes, which happen when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain. The rate of ischemic stroke nearly doubled during the study period.

The researchers looked at health conditions and behaviors that may increase stroke risk. High blood pressure became more common among younger adults who had a stroke. Rates of diabetes and atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, increased as well.

Researchers also found an increase in substance use from about 5% in 1993 to about 40% in 2020. Marijuana use accounted for much of the increase, although this study was not designed to determine whether substance use directly caused the strokes.

Encouragingly, the percentage of younger adults who died within 30 days of a stroke declined from nearly 12% to about 9%. Much of this was driven by bleeding types of stroke. Improvements in stroke care, including treatment in specialized neurological intensive care units, may have helped more people survive.

Researchers say the findings show the importance of stroke prevention. Managing high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart conditions early in adulthood may help reduce stroke risk.