Children are more at risk.
Parental divorce during childhood could significantly increase the risk of stroke later in life, according to a study published in PLOS One. Researchers found that seniors aged 65 and older whose parents had divorced had a 61% higher chance of suffering a stroke compared to those from intact families. This increased risk is comparable to other major stroke risk factors like diabetes and depression, even when controlling for lifestyle, socioeconomic, and health factors.
The study, which analyzed data from over 13,200 seniors collected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, excluded individuals who had experienced childhood abuse. Despite this exclusion, the findings showed that divorce alone was a unique contributor to stroke risk, independent of other forms of childhood adversity, such as neglect, emotional abuse, or exposure to household dysfunction. Researchers noted that even children who had a supportive adult in their lives were still more likely to face long-term health consequences if their parents had divorced.
The reasons behind this heightened risk remain uncertain, but researchers suggest biological and social factors could be involved. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones during childhood, triggered by the trauma of divorce, may affect brain development and the ability to handle stress later in life. This persistent stress could potentially influence long-term health outcomes, including conditions like high blood pressure and sleep disorders, which are known stroke risk factors.
Interestingly, the study found no significant link between other childhood adversities and increased stroke risk. This highlights the unique and lasting impact of parental divorce on health. The researchers emphasized the importance of further studies to understand the mechanisms driving this association and to explore potential interventions to mitigate the long-term effects of childhood trauma on health outcomes.
The findings underline the need for greater awareness of how early life experiences, particularly parental divorce, can shape long-term health. Understanding these connections may help inform strategies to support children and reduce the risks of chronic health conditions later in life.
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