More than 50 per cent stroke survivors develop memory loss, dementia: Doctors

More than 50 per cent of stroke survivors go on to develop cognitive issues like mild memory loss attention issues and dementia said doctors on Saturday ahead of World Stroke Day stressing the importance of early treatmentWorld Stroke Day is observed on October 29 to underscore the serious nature and high rates of stroke raise awareness of the prevention and treatment of the condition and ensure better care and support for survivorsTiming of treatment is crucial for stroke and it should be treated fast to preserve brain function and reduce the risk of future cognitive impairment the doctors saidOver half of people who survive a stroke go on to develop cognitive impairment ranging from mild memory and attention issues to dementia Some stroke survivors with cognitive impairment recover fully within a year So while treatment of stroke time is very important and it should be treated fast to preserve brain function and reduce the risk of future cognitive impairment Dr Praveen Gupta Principal Director of Department of Neurology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute told IANSEarly screening and monitoring can help identify people experiencing cognitive decline after stroke so the progression can be slowed and in some cases stopped he addedCognitive impairment may be underreported in stroke survivors because the person and family may think that memory loss is a normal phenomenon after stroke or may think the symptoms are part of the strokeAccording to the latest scientific statement by the American Stroke Association onethird of all stroke survivors develop dementia within five yearsFurther up to 60 per cent go on to develop memory and thinking problems within a yearThe statement also noted that about 40 per cent of the survivors of stroke have mild cognitive impairment that does not meet the diagnostic criteria for dementia Mild or not the mental difficulties can seriously affect quality of life Stroke can also cause mental decline leading to behavioural and personality changes depression physical disability and disruption in sleep the doctors saidStroke is one of the preventable major causes of dementia as a large number of patients who get stroke later also develop dementia which is then irreversible So treatment and prevention of stroke is of utmost importance Dr Prof Vinay Goyal Chairman Neurology Medanta Gurugram told IANSKnowing the signs of a stroke may help seek quick medical attention Early cognitive therapy and addressing stroke risk factors may be key in improving outcomesCognitive therapy should be a necessary adjunct to physical therapy during recovery Like physical exercise mental exercise is essential for patients to make a complete recovery Stroke cases can be reduced or even stopped by addressing risk factors of stroke such as blood pressure and diabetic control weight loss and exercise Dr Gupta saidYoung adults must be encouraged to embrace healthier dietary habits engage in regular physical activity maintain a healthy weight and reduce tobacco and alcohol use Additionally there is also a pressing need to make medications that control high blood pressure and cholesterol more affordable Dr Amit Srivastava Director and Senior Consultant Neurology Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital Delhi told IANSThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever