Small blockages in arteries supplying blood to the brain occur quiet commonly in older adults without causing symptoms. These silent strokes do damage and have a negative impact on mental function.
Small blockages in arteries supplying blood to the brain occur quiet commonly in older adults without causing symptoms. These silent strokes do damage and have a negative impact on mental function.Researchers from the University of Munster, Germany, examined 267 subjects between the ages of 65 and 83 years. The researchers used MRI brain scans to detect the presence of silent strokes. Rating scales for self-perceived health status, activities of daily living, cognitive function, and depression were used to assess the effect of silent strokes on health.
Silent stroke was identified in 34 patients (12.7 percent) of the study group. An association was seen between silent stroke and a history of hypertension or heart surgery. Impairments in the mental state were found in subjects with silent stroke. These patients also showed deficits in mental activities relating to procedural speed, memory, and motor performance compared to those without silent stroke.
Determining the presence of silent stroke using brain imaging may contribute to identifying individuals at risk for developing gradual neurological deficits and cognitive decline.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society,
June 2004
June 2004
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