The Contribution of School Quality to Stroke and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in the U.S. Stroke Belt

Stroke and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are important risk factors for later life dementia. In the United States the geographical distribution of high stroke risk, known as the U.S. Stroke Belt, is an important contributor to race and SES-based gradients in not only CVD but dementia as well. In this study we examine the impact that schools have on stroke risk and CVD. We hypothesize that school characteristics will mitigate the effects of attending high school in a Stroke Belt state.