Which demographic has an elevated incidence of stroke?

The demographics most associated with an elevated incidence of stroke are older adults, particularly those over the age of 65. This population experiences a significantly higher risk of stroke due to various factors that include age-related vascular changes, the presence of comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation, as well as lifestyle factors that may have accumulated over the years.

As individuals age, their blood vessels may become less elastic, and the risk of plaque buildup in arteries increases, which can lead to ischemic stroke. Additionally, the prevalence of risk factors such as high cholesterol and heart disease tends to rise in older adults, contributing to the greater likelihood of experiencing a stroke. The accumulation of these risk factors and physiological changes makes the older adult population the group most at risk for stroke.

In contrast, while younger demographics can experience strokes, it is much less common. Young adults typically have fewer vascular conditions and often lack the risk factors that contribute to stroke, while infants and children have very low incidence rates as their overall cardiovascular health is generally robust. Middle-aged individuals do have a notable risk, but it does not reach the elevated levels seen in the older population.