Pankaj Sharma • James F. Meschia Editors

2013

Our understanding of the genetics of common diseases has come a long way in recent years. However, stroke—a classic example of an age-related common disorder— is playing catch up. The complexity of its diagnosis, the heterogeneity of the disease itself, and the lateness of its age of presentation have, perhaps, left researchers to focus on easier conditions. However, the stroke research community has taken up this challenge and is beginning to dissect apart the genetic basis of stroke. The enormity of this task should not be underestimated. Many thousands of willing patients have agreed to donate their DNA in the hope of bene fi tting future generations.