Working Life: Clodagh Roche, speech and language therapist

Stroke is becoming more common in younger age groups due to lifestyle issues.

8.30am

After checking my emails, I head straight to the wards to meet new referrals and to check on existing patients at Kerry General Hospital. Nurses and doctors refer patients to me following stroke. I carry out assessments and I work on helping patients improve their ability to eat, drink and swallow. Most of those I see are older, but occasionally it can be a younger person, in their 30s or 40s. In these cases, genetics or a poor lifestyle, or a combination of both, usually play a part. Stroke is becoming more common in younger age groups. Obesity, drinking, poor diet, a heart condition — all are factors.