Stroke is currently the third leading cause of death and a major cause of disability among older adults. In fact, age is one of the single highest risk factors for stroke, even if the senior has no other health conditions. To protect your aging loved one from stroke, it’s important to learn as much as possible about stroke risk factors and aging. Here are four stroke facts to be aware of.
1. After Age 55, the Risk of Stroke More than Doubles Every 10 Years
The vast majority (about 75 percent) of those who have strokes are over 65. This cements stroke’s reputation as an age-related illness. Having a stroke at a later age often means a less than ideal recovery, but for older people, prevention can have an even greater impact.
If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of homecare. Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
2. 25 to 40 percent of Stroke Survivors Will Have Recurrent Strokes within 5 Years
The first stroke or mini-stroke (aka a transient ischemic attack) is the best predictor of whether someone will have an additional episode. Recurrent or multiple strokes have a higher rate of causing both mortality and disability. This is in part due to decreased resiliency in the brain because of previous damage.
3. Close to 50 Percent of Americans Have One or More Risk Factors for Stroke
Risk factors are generally divided into two categories: factors that can’t be changed and those that can. For example, heredity and gender cannot be changed, but both influence the likelihood of having a stroke. By contrast, an unhealthy diet and smoking can also increase the risk of having a stroke, but both can be altered, although often with great effort.
Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Montgomery live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life.
4. An Estimated 80 Percent of Strokes Could Be Prevented
While some strokes are the result of trauma or malformations in the brain, many are related to factors people can influence through good healthcare and lifestyle decisions. These include monitoring and treating high blood pressure, reducing bad cholesterol levels, and managing other chronic conditions like atrial fibrillation and diabetes.
While no one can predict the future, modern medicine is increasingly able to pinpoint specific risk factors associated with stroke, including advanced age and lifestyle. Armed with this information, seniors at risk for stroke, along with their doctors and caregivers, can work to reduce their likelihood of having strokes.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Montgomery elder care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help. Call us at (334) 593-3988 to create a customized in-home care plan.