Why Do We Need REGARDS?

REGARDS is an important research project that will look at differences in risk of stroke. Stroke is a common name for a lack of blood flow to the brain. Today, stroke is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability in the United States. While both blacks and whites suffer from strokes, more blacks die from strokes than whites. One purpose of REGARDS is to help scientists understand why this happens. Also, there is a geographic difference in stroke across the United States. This means that the area in which a person is living or has lived may be related to having a stroke or dying from a stroke. The place in which a person lives may be an important clue in preventing strokes. By learning more about strokes, we can help prevent the third leading cause of death in the United States. By participating in REGARDS, you will help scientists save lives and improve health.

Who Are We?

REGARDS is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). The project is a collaborative effort between the University of Alabama at Birmingham (School of Public Health) , the University of Vermont, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Alabama Neurological Institute, and Examination Management Services, Inc.  For a full list of participating REGARDS investigators and institutions click here.