Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States. Heart disease encompasses several different health issues, but one of the most common of these is stroke.
Strokes occur in a number of different manners. All of them involve a blockage of blood flow to the brain, thus preventing an adequate amount of oxygen reaching the brain. This can lead to brain cells dying, having a profoundly negative impact on someone’s cognitive ability.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are two of the most well known and well understood contributing factors to someone suffering from a stroke. But as we age, our bodies change. Because of this, researchers have begun to look at whether these common risk factors also impact someone’s risk of having a stroke as they age, too. Recently, it was indicated that although these things do remain as risk factors for seniors, they are not as strongly associated with stroke as they are within the younger population.
Although high blood pressure and diabetes may not pose the same stroke risk for the elderly that they do for younger folk, they still pose a serious health issue and complications when it comes to other health issues, too. They are still medical issues that should be addressed by a doctor. It’s important to work with your medical team to help maintain your health.
Additionally, the team found that other risk factors of stroke did not change with age. Smoking, atrial fibrillation, and heart disease still remained as high risk factors when it comes to stroke.
The team, based out of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, recently published their findings in the journal, Neurology. The journal is a publication of the American Academy of Neurology. The hope is that these findings can help lead to better health outcomes for seniors and those at risk of having a stroke.
The right team is essential if you or a loved one require assistance during the senior years. A team that understands medical needs is a good start, but medical needs are only a portion of the bigger picture. A team that understands how to balance medical needs along with social, emotional, and other needs, goals, and desires is important. Working with a doctor is a god start, but your team should be more rounded than this.
When it comes to senior care, we would be honored to be a part of your team. We believe that in-home care creates the most balanced care solution for the largest amount of seniors–and we’d love to talk more with you about why that is. This is why we offer a free consultation service. It’s designed to answer your questions about senior care and help you get pointed in the right direction. And although we believe that in-home care is a great choice, we also know it might not be the best choice for you and your situation. If that’s the case, we’re happy to help get you steered toward the resources that will be best.
Give us a call today to get started!
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