Neuro News Roundup: Stroke Risks & Benefit

Folic Acid Reduces Risk of First Stroke Abstract link.

Folic acid supplementation can significantly reduce the risk of first stroke associated with elevated total cholesterol among hypertensive adults without a history of major cardiovascular diseases.

If confirmed by other studies, folic acid supplementation or higher folate intake may be used as primary prevention of stroke in hypertensive patients with high total cholesterol, particularly those who do not have access to statins.

Music Therapy Provides Long-term Benefits for Stroke Patients Abstract link.

A combination of music therapy along with cognitive focus, psychological well-being, and social interaction appears to provide long-term benefits to stroke patients.

Enriched music therapy may tap into underused areas of the brain that go beyond traditional motor rehabilitation and traditional speech rehabilitation for stroke patients.

More Stroke Deaths in Areas of High Air Pollution Abstract link.

Long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution with small particulate matter can significantly increase the risk of death in stroke patients.

Clinical Implications