Stroke Education for Geriatric Care
According to the National Stroke Association (NSA), “Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in America and a leading cause of adult disability. 1” In addition, in the United States, stroke is the leading cause of death, claiming 130,000 lives each year2. It is also the leading cause of long-term adult disability2, which often requires home health therapy or nursing care to some degree. But, did you know that “up to 80% of strokes are preventable? 1”
First, what is a stroke? Per the NSA website, “A stroke or ‘brain attack’ occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery (a blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body) or a blood vessel (a tube through which the blood moves through the body) breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. When either of these things happen, brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs. 1”
The noticeable damage from a stroke occurs due to the death of brain cells, which control vital parts of the body such as body movement, memory and speech. The location of the stroke determines the intensity of the damage and the areas of the body and brain that are affected. There are different degrees of intensity of strokes and the most minor incidents cause impairment of a limb or slight memory impairment, which are treated with home health care sessions or house calls with therapy. Unfortunately, more intense strokes can experience paralysis or the inability to verbalize, which may require around-the-clock home health care nurses or assisted living. 1
Another statistic from the NSA is “more than 2/3 of survivors will have some type of disability. 1” Well, given that the NSA identified above that 80% of strokes are preventable, how can we combat this dangerous event that often leads to long-term home health care and therapy? 1
While NSA points out that not all stroke risk factors are preventable such as age (more likely in geriatric patients 55+), gender (more common in men in lower ages), family history and having diabetes – there are ways to proactively combat stroke. 2
First, maintain an open line of communication with your geriatric care physician or nurse about your blood pressure and cholesterol and have them checked at least once a year to make sure they stay under control. In the case of cholesterol, it can be lowered through diet and exercise, but some individuals will need medication2. Work with your doctor to see if you have atrial fibrillation, which causes “blood to collect in the chambers of your heart 2,” making you more likely to have a stroke. In addition, stop smoking as soon as possible and drink alcohol in moderation. 2
Source: 1 (2013) What is Stroke? National Stroke Association. Retrieved Sept. 26, 2014 from http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=stroke 2 (2013) Stroke 101: Fast Facts on Stroke. National Stroke Association. Retrieved Sept. 26, 2014 from http://www.stroke.org/site/DocServer/STROKE_101_Fact_Sheet.pdf?docID=4541