New research points to the idea that naturally occurring proteins within the body might be the key to reducing damage after a stroke has happened.
Called inter-alpha inhibitor proteins, these proteins are already within our bodies. However, they are also well known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They are typically located within the liver and move throughout the body through plasma. When this protein was artificially increased within the body, the team of researchers found that they had a neuroprotective role. After a stroke occurred, the damage that was done to the brain could be reduced, both in a lab setting and on mice. Research hasn’t yet been conducted on humans, but there is strong evidence to support that it will be helpful on humans, too.
This research took place at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. The team recently had their findings published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation.
A stroke is a devastating event. Every year, almost 800,000 people in the United States suffer from a stroke, with the vast majority of these being ischemic in nature. Stroke also happens to be the leading cause of disability in older adults, impacting thousands of people each year, effectively forcing them to rely on the help of others when once they were able to care for themselves. Any advances in treatment and prevention are important because so many lives are drastically changed or ended because of a stroke. Those that survive often find that they are unable to do the things that they once enjoyed. A lot of help is needed for many just to get through the day safely.
Senior care can play a big role in helping those that have a stroke live their lives with a degree of independence. What this looks like will vary from person to person simply because a stroke can impact different people in different ways. Issues with getting around the house, transferring, and other basic activities of daily living are common amongst those that have a stroke, and professional level care can help to make these things easier and safer.
When a loved one needs help, it can be overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. That might mean relying on friends and other family members, or it could mean working with a professional. Either way, you’re not alone.
It’s unclear when or if this new method will be available for widespread use. There are a few hoops to jump through, including FDA approval, before this can happen. But, hopefully, this will develop and more research will be done so that those that do suffer from a stroke can get a higher level of treatment than once before. This has the potential to save lives and help improve the ongoing quality of life for stroke survivors, too.
In the meantime, feel free to let us know how we can be of help. We offer a free consultation designed to answer your questions and help you get started. This can be a rough time, but we’re here to help.
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