Life After Stroke: Navigating the Challenges of Post-Stroke Depression in Seniors

Strokes, often seen as a health concern primarily affecting older adults, can impact anyone at any stage of life. The fifth leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability, strokes are prevalent and dangerous. In fact, every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Recognizing the signs of a stroke before it happens is crucial for timely intervention and better outcomes.The American Stroke Association explains that a stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so it and brain cells die.Knowing the signs of a stroke before it happens can save someones life and help prevent long-term disability. Its especially important to learn stroke symptoms if you are caring for a person who is in a high-risk group, such as someone who has diabetes or high blood pressure. A stroke is always a medical emergency, and it can come on suddenly, at any time and any place.FAST is an easy way to remember the signs of a stroke.When you see these signs, you will know that you need to call 911 fast. FAST stands for:F Face droopingOne side of the face is drooping or numb. When the person smiles, the smile is uneven.A Arm weaknessOne arm is weak or numb. When the person lifts both arms at the same time, one arm may drift downward.S Speech difficultyYou may hear slurred speech or notice the person is having difficulty speaking. The person cant repeat a simple sentence correctly when asked.T Time to call 911If someone shows any of these symptoms, call 911 right away. Call even if one or more symptoms go away. Make a note of the time the symptoms first appeared.Beyond FAST, other symptoms you should know include:Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the bodySudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speechSudden trouble seeing in one or both eyesSudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordinationSudden severe headache with no known causeIn the event that you or a loved one experience a stroke, recovery support is available. SYNERGY HomeCare offers highly personalized levels of quality care as early as pre-discharge from the hospital, and our Stroke Recovery program specializes in supporting a recovery plan at homethe best place to be.___________SYNERGY HomeCare offers no obligation home assessments. Find a location near you or contact us to learn how we can help you have a safe and comfortable recovery following a stay in the hospital.

This May is American Stroke Month, a multi-agency effort that seeks to provide the public with more information about one of Americas most common adverse health events. Each year, nearly 800,000 people suffer a stroke, leading to 140,000 deaths. This makes it the leading cause of death in America, and a major cause of serious disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control.Luckily, a stroke is often preventable and treatable. Thats why it is crucial to know the risk factors and warning signs. Stroke StatisticsThough strokes can affect people of all ages, they are most commonly seen in those over 65. According to the Stoke Awareness Foundation, the risk of stroke doubles each decade after an adult turns 55.While treatable, the adverse health effects of a stroke can be debilitating, sometimes affecting survivors for the rest of their lives. Of the 7 million stroke survivors in the United States, more than two-thirds suffer from some sort of disability as a result of the stroke, the Stroke Awareness Foundation reports.According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, strokes are more common in men, but more deadly in women. Additionally, strokes are more common, and more deadly, in African American adults, regardless of age. Stroke Risk FactorsWhen thinking of adverse health events related to the cardiovascular system, most adults tend to think of heart attacks. But this isnt the only adverse event that can come from poor cardiovascular health, as heart health is one of the leading factors when it comes to stroke risk.According to Johns Hopkins, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, smoking and high cholesterol are all risk factors for stroke. Additionally, other risk factors include age, race, gender and genetics.These risk factors mean that maintaining heart health is key to avoiding stroke. This means that adults should exercise regularly, refrain from smoking or excessive drinking, consume heart-healthy foods and regularly check in with their healthcare provider to assess cardiovascular health. Signs of a StrokeAccording to the American Stroke Association, more than 1.9 million brain cells die every minute that a stroke goes untreated. Thus, getting treatment is critical to lowering the risk of an adverse outcome. And to get treatment, one must understand the signs and symptoms of a stroke.Several health agencies have made this easier through their usage of an acronym FAST. Its meaning is as follows:F Face droopingA Arm weaknessS Speech difficulty (such as slurring)T Time to call 911 Additionally, men and women can sometimes have slightly different symptoms of a stroke. Signs of stroke in women include feeling weak, disoriented, fatigued and nauseous, in addition to vomiting. A stroke is a serious medical condition, one that can lead to poor health outcomes in both the short term and long term. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the factors behind a stroke and the symptoms of stroke.By knowing the symptoms of a stroke, you can take action quickly, and improve the chances of a positive health outcome.

Is a Stroke Preventing You from Enjoying Life? New therapy offers hope and healing in Central Florida Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States for people 65 and over. Nearly two million brain cells can die each minute during a stroke, leaving behind a wound in the brain. While the effects depend on the areas of the brain impacted, they commonly include partial paralysis, speech impairment, memory problems, cognitive difficulties, and even personality changes.  Physical, occupational, and speech therapies can help stroke survivors recover some lost function and learn to manage their condition, particularly in the first six months after the stroke. After that point, most are told that continued improvements are unlikely. Peer-reviewed, published research suggests that recovery is still possible, even years after a stroke.  A unique protocol of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been shown to trigger the bodys own self-regeneration mechanisms, restoring physical and cognitive functions. Clinical evidence indicates that this protocol can create new blood vessels, stem cells and nerve cells in the brain and improve physical abilities, attention, information processing speed, memory, and other skills.  Does it Work?  Cindy, a 67-year-old widow and hemorrhagic stroke survivor, was left unable to drive, work, walk without assistance, or even comb her hair. More than three years after her stroke, she turned to the Aviv Medical Program, a customized treatment plan built specifically for her needs. Her program included a unique, scientifically proven HBOT regimen along with cognitive training, dietary coaching and physical training to build the foundation for her ongoing recovery. Since completing the program at Aviv Clinics, Cindy can walk without a cane, work, drive her golf cart around The Villages, and even style her own hair.  Because of Aviv, Im now able to do those things, says Cindy. The more progress I make, the more I want to do.  About Aviv Clinics The Aviv Medical Program and this unique evidence based HBOT protocol is offered exclusively at Aviv Clinics in central Florida.  Wondering if the Aviv Medical Program right for you or someone you love? Contact Aviv Clinics for a free, no-obligation consultation with a licensed physicians or visit www.aviv-clinics.com to learn more.   Editors Note: This article was submitted by Dr. Mohammed Elamir, MD, FACP, lead physician at Aviv Clinics. The clinic may be reached at 352-488-2848 or by email at info@aviv-clinics.com.