A new study shows that there might be a more effective way to protect the loss of brain cells that occurs during a stroke. The study indicated that when neurons–more commonly referred to as brain cells–are protected during and after a stroke, there is less likely of cells dying and being damaged. This prevents cell death and brain damage from occurring.
This study comes from the University of Heidelberg in Germany. The findings were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Now the results of this study might seem like common sense, but there’s actually a lot more to it than this. Neurons are not smoothly shaped like other cells within the body. They have character extensions called dendrites that help them to send signals and communicate with one another. When these dendrites are damaged, cells are unable to communicate. Although they may not die off, brain damage can still occur, thus resulting in physical or mental disability because of a stroke.
Scientists have determined that a certain signal molecule called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D–or VEGFD–is a central player when it comes to maintaining and even restoring neuronal health. When blood supply to the brain is interrupted by a stroke, there is a drastic reduction in VEGFD levels. Neurons shrink and lose dendrites. This leads to cognitive impairment and physical disability; these are the hallmark symptoms of a stroke.
Researchers found that by restoring VEGFD levels within the brain, dendrite damage could be reduced. Ultimately, this helped to reduce the risk of brain damage and subsequent disability.
The symptoms of stroke can lead to a need for senior care. Oftentimes, people who have had a stroke end up in nursing homes because of the severe needs that can result from a stroke. If these things could be avoided or reduced in their severity, the need for senior care could be lessened. Rather than expensive and lengthy senior care, an older loved one could have a higher quality of life for longer, letting them live the life that they want where they want.
This might sound strange coming from a senior care company. Our business is providing care to the elderly. However, although the financial side of things is important for the business to continue, it is our firm belief that it is far more important to place an emphasis on people. If we can help people to avoid the use of senior care completely, we are doing far more good for them. We are helping them to live healthier, safer, and more independent lives. Hopefully, by staying ahead of medical knowledge like this, future care issues can be prevented.
But if care is needed, we’re here for you. Our in-home caregivers provide customized care to the people that they work with to ensure that they are giving not just high quality care, but high quality care that will best meet needs. Give us a call or email to learn more about how we can help your family live a better life.
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