How to Recognize a Stroke in Older Adults
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in Vietnam. Older adults are at higher risk for stroke primarily due to age, but there are additional factors that can increase this risk.
If you have elderly parents or relatives, make sure you are aware of the following critical information, as early recognition of a stroke is key to increasing the chances of effective treatment and recovery.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is a sudden brain injury that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or significantly reduced. This lack of blood supply causes brain cells to be deprived of oxygen and nutrients, leading to severe brain damage. Within minutes of insufficient blood supply, brain cells begin to die. Stroke victims need immediate medical attention to minimize the dangerous consequences.
Risk Factors for Stroke
Several factors can increase the risk of stroke in older adults. According to the American Stroke Association, after the age of 55, a person’s risk of stroke nearly doubles every ten years. Women are also more likely to suffer from a stroke than men, and the mortality rate from this condition is higher for women.
While some of these factors are beyond our control, there are other risks that we can manage to reduce the likelihood of a stroke. Physical issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity need to be controlled. An unhealthy diet, such as one high in saturated fats and cholesterol, is a risk factor for stroke, as is smoking.
Top Warning Signs of Stroke in Older Adults
There are three common signs of a stroke that you can recognize:
– Facial Drooping: Numbness or drooping on one side of the face, causing a lopsided smile.
– Arm Weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms; someone experiencing a stroke may not be able to lift both arms simultaneously, and one arm may drift downward due to weakness.
– Speech Difficulty: Slurred speech, difficulty speaking clearly, or trouble forming words. The person may even be unable to repeat simple phrases.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your loved one, call 115 immediately and inform them that you suspect a stroke to receive proper guidance from medical professionals.
In addition to the three main symptoms, there are other sudden signs you should be aware of:
– Paralysis on one side of the body (face, arm, or leg)
– Confusion or reduced awareness, difficulty understanding conversations
– Vision problems, such as blurred or double vision
– Difficulty walking, including dizziness or loss of balance
– Severe, unexplained headache
What Should You Do?
If you or your loved one experience any of these symptoms, call 115 immediately and seek emergency medical assistance. Even if the symptoms last only a few minutes and then go away, still call 115 or go to hospital straight away – this may be a transient ischaemic attack (mini-stroke), a warning sign of a full stroke. Timely medical treatment can help minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and may save the person’s life.
When you call for help, try to note the time when the stroke symptoms first appeared. The dispatcher will provide necessary instructions until medical personnel arrive. While you wait, do not give the person any medicine (including blood pressure tablets or aspirin), and do not give them anything to eat or drink, as they may choke. Do not prick their fingertips. Call 115 rather than driving them yourself – the ambulance team can start care on the way and take them to a hospital that treats strokes.
Keeping Older Adults Safe
Recognizing the signs of a stroke in older adults is one way to keep your loved ones safe. If an older adult has multiple controllable risk factors for stroke, encourage them to make changes to improve their health. You can help save their life. Need support in keeping your loved ones safe? Calibee can assist you.
LET CALIBEE TAKE CARE OF YOUR HOME
References
- Signs and Symptoms of Stroke – CDC
- Symptoms of a stroke – NHS
This article is for general information only and does not replace a doctor's diagnosis or advice; ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine, and call 115 in an emergency.
