Younger people may suffer from strokes, and unlike their parents and grandparents, medical professionals say they may need support groups that aid in lifestyle changes necessitated by the brain damage.

Roughly 260,000 strokes occur each year that affect those younger than 65, and "there is concern," says stroke support group facilitator Terri Lukomski, that risk factors are on the rise among young adults, including poor diet and exercise that lead to diabetes and obesity.

The damage caused by a stroke can affect many facets of life including communication and mood, which Lukomski says may be rectified with support in dating, school, and other activities.

Cedars-Sinai doctors say that certain groups are more likely to have an increased chance of a stroke.

Smokers, including women over 30 on "the pill," have double the risk of suffering the medical emergency, as well as those who drink heavily or use drugs.

Those looking to lower cholesterol, a stroke risk factor, may consider a nutritional supplement that contains allicin, a chemical in garlic found to reduce cholesterol levels in an Iranian study.

Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in America, with close to 150,000 Americans succumbing to its effects each year.