The projected burden of stroke in the German federal state of Hesse up to the year 2050.

INTRODUCTION The aging of the population in Germany will lead to an increased number of stroke patients, but at present there are hardly any concrete estimates of how many stroke patients can be expected in the future. METHODS This study provides estimates of future numbers of stroke patients in the German federal state of Hesse up to the year 2050. The calculations are based on data obtained from a state-wide quality assurance program for stroke, as well as on demographic data provided by the Statistical Office of the state of Hesse. RESULTS The annual number of stroke patients in Hesse is projected to increase steadily from 20 846 in 2005 to more than 35 000 in 2050. By the year 2050, the majority of stroke patients will be 75 years or older. The proportion of severely handicapped stroke patients will increase above average. DISCUSSION The projected increase in the number of stroke patients will require substantial changes in health care services unless the incidence of stroke falls in the future, e.g. as the result of improved primary prevention. The development of strategies to prevent stroke in elderly persons should be given a high priority from a health policy perspective.