One common problem that occurs after a stroke is problems with language. Previous studies have found that individualized attention to patients and a uniquely tailored approach to therapy can be helpful, but unfortunately, this has proven to be impractical given current methods of treatment. However, a new approach to this might change that. Researcher Karsten Specht has developed a new analysis method that can output an individualized approach to treatment, and the end goal is hopefully better recovery rates.
Language is accounted for in the left hemisphere of the brain, and if this is damaged in a stroke, the ability to speak and comprehend language can be negatively impacted. This method has the potential ability to help those that have suffered from a stroke regain better speaking and comprehension skills. While current methods of therapy use general language structures based upon patient symptoms, this new method entails using fMRI brain imaging to get a detailed picture of what the brain looks like, and more specifically, what actual damage has been done to it and where. Based upon this information, more specific treatment and therapy methods can be devised. Researchers can even use fMRI technology during therapy to ensure that progress is being made and pathways through the brain are being reopened as treatment progresses. Specht admits that this is still about ten years away from becoming a widely available analysis method for helping all stroke patients, but the fact that this kind of detailed knowledge is possible is a big ray of hope for those that may suffer from strokes in the future.
A stroke has the potential to cause permanent disability, especially if it is not recognized and appropriately treated in a trauma center right away. When an elderly loved one has a stroke, taking care of them on your own, or even with the help of your family, could prove to be an impossibly overwhelming task. Senior care does exist for purposes like this, but care can be expensive at times. Even in-home care, which is widely considered to be one of the most cost effective and personally helpful types of care that exist, isn’t free. Besides, no one wants to be disabled and nobody wants to need to rely on the help of another person if they do not need to, no matter how loving and compassionate that care might be. If better methods of treatment can be devised to help treat stroke, whether it be speaking difficulties or physical disability, then the necessity of senior care of all sorts may be reduced in the future. For the sake of our loved ones, and eventually ourselves, this is a very promising thought.
In the present, our goal should be to help keep our elderly loved ones as healthy and safe as possible. Even if they haven’t had a stroke and do not suffer from any sort of disability, senior care may be a part of this process. The added supervision of a professionally trained caregiver can help them to stay safe and within their own home even if they are beginning to show signs of having difficulty caring for themselves.
Leave a Reply