Anthology of stroke epidemiology in the 20th and 21st centuries: Assessing the past, the present, and envisioning the future

Abstract

This narrative overview of stroke epidemiology shows dramatic changes in stroke incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability, and the understanding of risk factors and primary stroke prevention strategies over the last few decades. Likely future directions of stroke epidemiology and prevention are outlined.

Keywords: Epidemiology; methodology; prevention; rehabilitation; risk factors; stroke; stroke prevalence.