The number of people dying from strokes in Scotland has fallen over the past year, NHS figures revealed today.

There were 6% fewer deaths among under-75s, continuing a downward trend.

The NHS said tackling strokes is a priority in Scotland because of the "prevalence" of associated risks, such as smoking and diet.

The Scottish Government set a target 13 years ago to reduce the death rate among under-75s from stroke - or cerebrovascular disease - by half over 15 years.

The NHS said: "If this trend from 1995 continues, the target of a 50% reduction from 1995 to 2010 looks achievable."

Around 8.2% of men and 6.5% of women are living with the after-effects of a stroke, the third most common cause of death in Scotland.

In a pioneering study of around 80 patients, researchers at Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen Unversities are scanning patients' brains three times in the month after their stroke to to determine whether any damaged tissue can be salvaged.