With LSD being made illegal in 1966, Grant managed to wean himself off being so dependent on the substance, but it is possible that his years of constant usage may have made him more at risk of suffering from a stroke.
Johns Hopkins Medicine explains that there are various risk factors for stroke, some which can be managed and others that cannot. Risk factors that can be treated or medically managed include:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- History of TIAs (transient ischaemic attacks)
- High blood cholesterol and lipids
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
- Excessive alcohol use
- Illegal drugs.
Although it cannot be proven that Grant’s drug abuse contributed to his stroke in later life, there is research to show that drug abuse carries a high risk of blood clotting, which is one of the main causes of stroke. This can be used as a warning to others about the risk factors of the condition which develops when blood flow to part of the brain is cut off.
In order to function properly, the brain needs oxygen, which is delivered by the arteries. There are two main ways in which this blood can be blocked from getting to the brain: blocked artery or a ruptured artery, which consequently cause the two main types of stroke.