Memory Problems Could Signal Stroke Risk

According to a recent study published in the medical journal Stroke, memory lapses in individuals with higher levels of education may be associated with an increased risk of having a stroke. A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), occurs when blood circulation to the brain stops, often from a blood clot in a vessel to the brain.

The specialists at Palm Vein Center understand having a stroke can cause serious physical/mental damage and in some cases, death. Therefore, the team feels it’s important to be aware of all the potential warning signs and risk factors of a stroke.

The Study

The study, mentioned earlier, included more than 9,100 people, aged 55 and older, in the Netherlands. Over the course of 20 years, participants were given questionnaires to answer, tested, and tracked on their mental health. Of the roughly 9,000 participants, approximately 1,134 individuals eventually suffered a stroke. Of these participants, 39 percent showed a greater risk of stroke with their university education versus others with a lower level of education.

A researcher of the study, Dr. Arfan Ikram of Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands, stated in a BBC News article, “In people with a high level of education, it takes longer for the brain to be damaged and for dementia to occur. But if these people start complaining about their memory, then the mechanism is gone. This can be an indicator they have reached an advanced stage when the cognitive reserve is not compensating anymore."

Dr. Arfan Ikram concluded these statements by saying memory problems can be an important warning sign and that people should keep an eye out for loved ones who complain of having lapses in memory.

Health Factors

In addition to memory lapses, other health factors like high blood pressure, family history of stroke, high cholesterol, diabetes, and being over 55 can increase your risk for stroke. Certain conditions like arteriovenous malformation (AVM) can also increase your risk of having a stroke, which is why it is important to get regular stroke/CVA screenings.

Consult a Professional

Palm Vein Center provides patients with stroke screenings to reduce a patient’s risk. These screenings can detect the presence of blood clots and other vein and arterial conditions that may cause a stroke. Please call Palm Vein Center or visit the screening section of our website to get evaluated today!

The advice and information contained in this article are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.

For more information on vein diseases and the treatments provided by the specialists at Palm Vein Center or to make an appointment, call 623-201-4777. We look forward to meeting you!

Source: http://bit.ly/1xOBjah