Elderly Problems: Detecting a Stroke

17 Feb Elderly Problems: Detecting a Stroke

Elderly Problems by Boomeryearbook.com

In a study conducted by the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, it was found that though the elderly are most likely to suffer a stroke, they most often fail to correctly recognize the symptoms.

The same health problems that are responsible for a heart attack are also responsible for a stroke, and elderly people are more susceptible because of the elderly problems of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis and diabetes.
One of the major conditions that increase the risk of a stroke is Arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Arteriosclerosis can narrow or block the carotid arteries, which are large arteries in the neck, and cause a stroke. Elderly problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes, cause arteriosclerosis of the small blood vessels inside the brain, thus escalating the risk of a stroke. However, psychological articles on elderly problems have also said that there are cases of persons who experience a stroke for no identifiable reason.
Basically a stroke occurs when an area of the brain is deprived of its blood supply; either due to a blockage or a burst blood vessel. If deprived of oxygen long enough, vital brain tissue can die, and it is essential to take immediate action. Detecting the symptoms of stroke is therefore critical, and although at times some strokes seem almost asymptomatic, (without symptoms) being able to identify stroke symptoms, as with most health related elderly problems, can help save your life!

Stroke is a major concern for anyone dealing with elderly problems. Understanding the early symptoms of the onset of a stroke can help to prevent loss of life. At Boomer Yearbook, the website for baby boomers, we are trying to assist people in understanding problems faced by our generation in the hope that it may help them better understand our aging bodies and needs.

Amongst the manifested symptoms of a stroke is paralysis or loss in sensation in one side of the body, such as the arm or leg. Loss in verbal lucidity, slurred or nonsensical speech is also a symptom. Some people are unable to swallow, have unexplained memory loss and double vision. Drooping on one side of the face is known to occur as is unexplained memory loss, severe headache and sudden mental confusion.

Although some disabilities caused by strokes are irreversible a new treatment, called thrombolysis, can reduce disability from stroke. However, it must be given within three hours of the onset of symptoms, so time is of the essence. Other common elderly problems related to medical conditions such as high blood sugar, dehydration, and hazardously elevated blood pressure may also require immediate attention. Even if the damage done by the stroke is not recoverable, it is very important to understand the cause of the stroke so future incidences can be prevented. Psychological articles and studies have shown that the sooner patients receive physical therapy and rehabilitation, the better the chances of recovery.
If a person has already suffered a stroke, more strokes can be prevented only if the cause of the previous stroke is understood. There are many treatments and preventive measures available depending upon the nature of the stroke. If it was the blockage of the carotid arteries that caused the stroke, surgery can help increase blood flow through the veins. Blood thinning medicines (anticoagulants) can help if the blockage is less severe or if blood clots have formed that might break off and travel to the brain. If high blood pressure is the cause, which tops the list of elderly problems related to health, than it should be kept in control. Also, alcoholic beverages are hazardous to those who have already suffered a stroke and should be avoided.
Strokes can be successfully treated and can also be prevented. Following a healthy diet, monitoring your blood pressure, getting regular exercise, controlling alcohol intake, and not smoking, can dramatically decrease the chances of suffering a stroke.

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