Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability in the US, so what can you do to reduce your risk? Let’s dive into three practical things you can do today.
Protect your smile
A recent study by researchers at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and University of South Carolina, Columbia, published in January 2025, showed that people who flossed one or more times per week had 22% lower risk for ischemic stroke and 44% lower risk for cardioembolic stroke, a subtype of ischemic stroke in which a blood clot travels from the heart to the brain. So why could good dental hygiene lead to a lower stroke risk? While the exact reason is not fully known, some theories suggest that good dental hygiene helps to reduce gum disease and the risk for oral infections, which, in turn, can reduce overall inflammation.
Best: To make flossing part of your daily routine, keep your floss right next to your toothbrush as a visual reminder.
Savor your morning brew
Who doesn’t like to start their mornings with a cup of coffee and contemplation? Even better, research shows that coffee can be a helpful ally in protecting your brain from a stroke. A meta-analysis by researchers at China’s North Sichuan Medical College showed that moderate coffee consumption (three to four cups a day maximum) was linked with a 22% reduction in stroke risk. Likely reason for this: Caffeine contains antioxidants that defend your body from harmful molecules (free radicals), which are thought to cause cell damage.
But beware: Overconsumption of caffeine can increase your risk for irregular heartbeat, known as A-fib, and that increases your risk for stroke.
Best: Mornings should be for coffee and contemplation.
Quiet the loud snoring
Despite affecting one in five Americans, sleep apnea often is undiagnosed—yet it is an important risk factor for strokes. Without treatment, it can also cause several other serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and depression. These are the symptoms to look out for…
- Loud snoring (ask your partner!)
- Making gasping or snorting sounds in your sleep
- Waking up frequently at night
- Feeling very tired during the day
- Difficult concentrating
- Falling asleep easily during the day
If your partner has complained about your snoring…or you seem to nap at any opportunity…then speak to your health-care professional. Sleep apnea is often treated with lifestyle changes that lead to weight loss. CPAP machines can also make a difference by gently pumping air through a mask while you sleep. This can help lower your risk for future health problems. Consult a sleep specialist if you’re put off by wearing a CPAP mask at night—the latest technologies are smaller, lighter and more comfortable.
Best: People with sleep apnea often find their symptoms are worse when they sleep on their back. Try sleeping on your side—consider taping a tennis ball to your back or buying a special bed wedge to keep you on your side.
Preventing a stroke and maintaining your cognitive function isn’t about grand impossible gestures. It’s about small practical everyday habits that form a healthy lifestyle.
So keep a piece of floss handy, relax with a morning cup of coffee and look out for any loud snoring. All of these will ensure that you are taking meaningful steps toward protecting your most valuable asset—your brain.
