TIA IS A STROKE AND VASCULAR DEMENTIA WARNING SIGN

TIA IS A STROKE AND VASCULAR DEMENTIA WARNING

If your older adult suddenly feels odd or acts strangely, even for a few minutes, it could be a sign that they’ve just had a mini stroke.. Transient ischemic attack (TIA), often known as a mini-stroke, is the medical term for symptoms that resemble a stroke but last just a short while. Seniors may not even be aware that they have had a stroke because the symptoms may come and go so swiftly.

We explain what happens during a TIA, symptoms and causes, and two reasons why these mini-strokes are serious warnings for seniors – major stroke and vascular dementia.

TIA stroke symptoms and causes

A mini-stroke occurs when the brain’s blood flow is momentarily interrupted. It resembles a short-lived stroke in many ways. While TIA symptoms are similar to those of a stroke, they don’t last as long. Although they may persist for up to 24 hours, the majority of symptoms go away within an hour.

You won’t be able to tell if these symptoms are from a TIA or a major stroke, so if your older adult has these symptoms, immediately call emergency services or go to the emergency room.

7 Symptoms that could happen suddenly may include:

1. Numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
2. Confusion, trouble speaking, difficulty understanding speech
3. Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
4. Difficulty walking
5. Dizziness
6. Problems with balance or coordination
7. An abnormal sense of taste or smell

A TIA is typically brought on by reduced blood flow at a constrictive section of a large artery that supplies the brain with blood, such as the carotid artery.

It could also be caused by a blood clot that travels to the brain and blocks a blood vessel there.

A third common cause is the narrowing of smaller blood vessels in the brain. That blocks blood flow for a short period of time – often caused by plaque build-up.

A TIA is a warning of two serious health conditions.

1. It’s a sign of a major stroke in the near future

Mini strokes usually don’t cause permanent brain damage, but they’re a serious warning sign that a major stroke will happen in the future.

In fact, a TIA occurs before about 12% of all strokes.

2. They cause vascular dementia

The second most prevalent type of dementia, vascular dementia is brought on by decreased blood supply to the brain, typically as a result of a stroke or series of strokes. This type of dementia is more common in men than in women, usually affecting people between the ages of 60 and 75.

Even though TIAs might sometimes be barely noticeable, the brain’s damage accumulates over time.

Brain cells are deprived of oxygen and nutrients when the blood supply to the brain is cut off. The parts of the brain connected to memory, language, and learning suffer harm as a result.

This leads to memory loss, confusion, and other signs of dementia.

What to do after a TIA

If you suspect that your older adult has had a mini-stroke, take them to a hospital immediately and describe all the symptoms they experienced.

Doctors may give you medicine to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease, or to stop blood clots from forming so that you are less likely to have a massive stroke soon. Depending on the circumstances, surgery might also be advised.

Help an older family member change their habits to lower their long-term risk of vascular dementia and stroke.

A healthy way of life means giving up smoking and drinking too much, eating a balanced diet, and working out regularly.

Additionally, it’s critical to maintain control over other medical issues, particularly high cholesterol and blood pressure.