Stroke survivors develop dementia within five years

ONE-THIRD OF STROKE SURVIVORS DEVELOP DEMENTIA WITHIN FIVE YEARS; IDENTIFYING SIGNS QUICKLY CAN HELP MINIMIZE BRAIN DAMAGE 

Stroke and dementia risk 

According to a new scientific statement by the American Stroke Association, one-third of all stroke survivors develop dementia within five years. Further, up to 60% go on to develop memory and thinking problems within a year. Experts suggest it is important to take the necessary preventive measures to bring down this staggering number. 02/6Recognizing mild cognitive impairment “Cognitive impairment is an often under-reported and under-diagnosed but yet very common condition stroke survivors frequently deal with,” said Dr. Nada El Husseini, an associate professor of neurology at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, who chaired the writing committee for the statement. About 40% of the survivors of stroke have mild cognitive impairment that does not meet the diagnostic criteria for dementia, said El Husseini. Mild or not, the mental difficulties can seriously affect quality of life.

Signs of cognitive impairment after stroke 

The associate professor of neurology explained that cognitive impairment after stroke ranges from mild impairment to dementia. It can lead to symptoms which can affect one's quality of life, such as problems in: 

 Remembering  Thinking  Planning Language  Attention 

One may also experience difficulty in being able to work, drive or live independently.

When is a stroke survivor most prone to cognitive impairment? 

According to the statement, cognitive impairment is most common within the first two weeks after a stroke.

Mental decline can happen with other conditions associated with a stroke such as behavioral and personality changes, depression, physical disability and disruption in sleep. The good news is that the American Stroke Association’s statement said that about 20% of people who experience mild cognitive impairment after a stroke are able to fully recover their cognitive function, typically within the first six months. 

Quick action is key 

Brain damage occurs when some cells stop getting oxygen and die. Bleeding in the brain may also lead to death of some brain cells. According to the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, permanent brain damage can occur within minutes to hours of the stroke. Immediate medical attention is necessary to minimize the impact of a stroke. Knowing the signs of a stroke may help seek quick medical attention.

Signs of stroke to note 

Following are signs of a stroke shared by the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: 

 Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. 

 Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or difficulty understanding speech. 

 Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. 

 Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or lack of coordination. 

 Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

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