A recent report in the journal Stroke suggests that there is a link between depression and an increased risk of having a first stroke in older patients. In a study of over 400 patients over the age of 85, 18 percent of them who were diagnosed as being depressed had a three-fold chance of having another stroke in three years.

“The findings from this study may have clinical implications because depression and stroke are common in the elderly,” researchers state. “The possible risk reduction of stroke is thus one more reason why individuals with depression should be diagnosed and adequately treated.”

If your loved one has had a stroke, read RH’s “Rehabbing The Blues,” and “Groove Theory” on dealing with stroke and depression.