Mini strokes, medically known as transient ischemic attacks (TIA), are common in the elderly population. While mini strokes are brief and typically cause no permanent damage, they can be warning signs of impending major stroke events. The following are causes of mini strokes in seniors.
What is a mini stroke?
Blood flow to parts of the brain may be interrupted. When crucial blood flow does not reach specific areas of the brain, a temporary episode of neurological dysfunction occurs. This mini stroke causes symptoms that usually dissipate within 24 hours and does not leave lasting damage.
How does a mini stroke differ from a major stroke?
Mini strokes and major strokes share common symptoms; however, their durations distinguish one from the other. Mini strokes are fleeting in nature, lasting from a few moments to no more than 24 hours. In contrast, a major stroke persists for an extended period, causing lasting damage to the brain.
How common are mini strokes?
Mini strokes are prevalent in seniors, especially in those aged 65 and older. The risks for experiencing this type of stroke increases with age. The elderly with particular risk factors have a heightened susceptibility to experiencing a mini stroke sometime in their lives.
Why are mini strokes prevalent in the elderly?
Aging introduces changes to the body, including the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. Growing older causes the blood vessels to become narrower, making them more susceptible to clots or blockages. Furthermore, health conditions, like high blood pressure, increase the risk for mini strokes.
What causes a mini stroke?
1. Blood Clots
The brief disruption in the blood supply to the brain may be caused by a blood clot or a blockage within a blood vessel. Mini strokes are transient in nature, since the interruption gradually resolves itself. As a result, irreparable damage does not occur.
2. Atherosclerosis
The blockages that precede a mini stroke may be caused by a buildup of plaques in the artery. Plaques are fatty deposits that contain cholesterol; they decrease blood flow through an artery or cause a clot. When this occurs, it is known as atherosclerosis.
3. High Blood Pressure
Seniors may be at risk for a mini stroke when they have two or more modifiable risk factors. High blood pressure, for instance, is a risk factor for a mini stroke, especially when the older adult has blood pressure readings of 140/90 millimeters of mercury or higher.
4. High Cholesterol
Consuming a high-cholesterol diet is another risk factor for a mini stroke. Plaque increases in the arteries when the senior eats foods high in cholesterol and fat, especially saturated fat and trans-fat. Dietary changes or medications, like Statin, can help control cholesterol levels.
5. Diabetes
Seniors diagnosed with diabetes may develop atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of fatty deposits. This is because diabetes accelerates and worsens the narrowing of the arteries. Seniors with diabetes benefit from monitoring their blood sugar levels, exercising, taking their medications, and modifying their diet.
6. Carotid Artery Disease
Carotid artery disease (CAD) is a risk factor for a mini stroke. The blood vessels in the neck that carry blood to the brain become clogged, causing the brain to receive less oxygenated blood. Seniors can slow the progression of CAD by making healthy food choices and managing health issues.
7. Excess Weight
Obesity increases a senior’s risk for having a mini stroke. Excess weight around the stomach, especially, is a significant risk factor. Seniors are urged to exercise regularly and eat a nutritious diet to maintain a healthy weight and reduce this modifiable risk factor for a mini stroke.
8. Smoking
Seniors who smoke have an elevated risk of developing blood clots. Aging smokers also suffer from high blood pressure and are more likely to develop atherosclerosis. But quitting smoking lowers their risk of having a mini stroke or a major stroke.
9. Sedentary Lifestyle
A lack of physical activity increases the senior’s risk of having a stroke. They can lower their risk by engaging in 20 to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercises five days per week. Gardening, walking, swimming, dancing, and yoga are activities older adults find enjoyable.
10. Drinking and Drugs
Heavy drinking is linked with an increase in the risk of a mini stroke. Older people are advised to limit their alcohol intake. Women may safely have one drink per day and men may consume up to two per day. Illicit drug use is also a culprit so avoid it.
11. Poor Nutrition
Eating salty foods and neglecting to eat fresh fruits and vegetables can lead to a mini stroke. Instead, choose healthy eating habits, like not adding salt to foods. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in potassium and antioxidants, protects against a mini stroke.
Knowing what causes a mini stroke in seniors is key to making changes to prevent it. Older adults decrease their risk for a mini stroke when a professional caregiver from Assisting Hands Home Care helps them make healthy lifestyle changes.
Our home care professionals prepare healthy meals that are low in salt and unhealthy fats. We adhere to the senior’s dietary guidelines when serving food and drinks. Caregivers also grocery shop for fresh fruits and vegetables so they have healthy snacks at their fingertips.
Elder care includes transportation to the doctor’s office for medical checkups and to the pharmacy to pick up medications. We give timely medication reminders, help with light housekeeping tasks, and perform fall risk assessments to prevent falls and injuries. Our professionals are also great companions.
Seniors receive the necessary support to lead independent lives. Our comprehensive non-medical care services give them an opportunity to age in place and remain in their community near friends and family. Care options are flexible and customized to meet individual care needs.
When your aging loved one aims to live a healthier lifestyle, the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are prepared to make it happen. We are privileged to serve Batavia, Illinois, and the surrounding communities. Schedule a complimentary in-home consult and learn about quality senior home care.
