Final answer:
Yes, a stroke is indeed the leading cause of serious long-term disability, with effects ranging from paralysis to speech difficulties and personality changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that a stroke is the leading cause of serious long-term disability. Stroke can result in various long-term impairments, such as paralysis, difficulty speaking, loss of bladder control, and personality changes, depending on which area of the brain has been affected. The impact of a stroke can range from mild and transient symptoms to severe and permanent disabilities, and in some cases, can be fatal. Furthermore, a stroke can cause symptoms like muscle weakness or paralysis, speech disturbances, sensory problems, memory loss, and confusion. Importantly, factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation increase the risk of stroke, most of which can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications to reduce the risk.