How to Prevent Strokes in Senior Patients

January 11, 2024

Helping older people prevent strokes is essential to care for their long-term health and well-being. Preventing the consequences of suffering a stroke can be as simple as enjoying a healthy diet and getting enough exercise. To reduce the risk of stroke when caring for an elderly loved one, it is also necessary to make sure they take their medication.

The consequences of a stroke can leave a senior person needing extra home care or hospital care because of being temporarily or permanently debilitated. Complications of strokes can include loss of speech, loss of movement, and can even be fatal.

Stroke Prevention in the Elderly

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, nearly 80% of strokes are preventable. Many of the risk factors for stroke can be avoided or managed with early intervention and care.

Because of prevention strategies, the number of people suffering from a stroke in the U.S. has almost halved in recent years. This means that any positive changes you make today can have a great impact in helping to keep the person in your care as healthy as possible

Ways to Prevent Strokes in Seniors

Let’s at some simple ways that you can help to lower the risk of a loved one suffering from the consequences of a stroke.

1. Treat hypertension

To avoid strokes in older persons, it is important to control high blood pressure. Many doctors agree that hypertension is one of the biggest risk factors for stroke.

Some ways to control blood pressure include reducing sodium, lowering cholesterol, in increasing the consumption of fruit and vegetables. It is also important to take hypertension medication.

2. Get more exercise

If possible, you should help the person in your care increase their level of exercise. Getting more exercise has the benefit of helping to lower blood pressure and reducing weight. This could involve regular walks, light resistance training, or some aerobic exercising for seniors.

Before starting any new exercise regime, it is important to talk with the senior person’s doctor.

3. Limit alcohol consumption and stop smoking

Bad habits such as overconsumption of alcohol or smoking can greatly increase the risk of stroke. Many doctors say that limiting alcohol consumption of one drink a day can help prevent stroke. Smoking clogs up arteries and affects blood circulation which can cause stroke, cancer, or lead to a heart attack.