A new study published in PLOS One on January 22, 2025, suggests that individuals whose parents divorced during childhood may face a significantly higher risk of stroke later in life. Researchers from the University of Toronto analyzed data from over 13,000 adults aged 65 and older, finding that those who experienced parental divorce before the age of 18 had 1.61 times higher odds of having a stroke compared to those from intact families.
Key Findings: A 61% Increased Risk
The study, based on the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, specifically examined individuals with no history of childhood abuse. Even after controlling for factors such as diabetes, depression, and social support networks, the association remained strong. The increased risk was observed equally among men and women.
Senior author Esme Fuller-Thomson emphasized the significance of the findings, stating that the association between parental divorce and stroke risk was comparable to well-established risk factors such as male gender and diabetes.
Limitations and Unknown Factors of Stroke
While the study establishes a correlation, it does not determine causation. Researchers were unable to account for certain factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, contraceptive use, or age at the time of parental divorce. Additionally, they caution that the findings may not be fully generalizable to younger generations, who have experienced higher divorce rates overall.
Implications for Future Research and Health Awareness
Despite these limitations, the research highlights a potential long-term health impact of childhood parental divorce, underscoring the need for further studies to explore the underlying mechanisms behind the association. The findings may prompt healthcare professionals to consider early-life experiences as part of stroke risk assessments and encourage individuals with a history of parental divorce to be proactive about stroke prevention.
Reference: Mary Kate Schilke, Philip Baiden, Esme Fuller-Thomson. Parental divorce’s long shadow: Elevated stroke risk among older Americans. PLOS ONE, 2025.
