University of Leeds scientists have shown how stroke victims could be more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease – years or even decades after making a full recovery.
It has been known for some time that the two conditions were linked, but now the Leeds team has shown how an incident of reduced oxygen to the brain – caused by the stroke – can leave the patient vulnerable to the gradual build-up of toxic chemicals which can cause Alzheimer’s.
The research was led by Professor Chris Peers of the University’s school of medicine, who explained: “Our research is looking into what happens when oxygen levels in the brain are reduced by a number of factors, from long-term conditions like emphysema and angina, to sudden incidents such as a heart attack, stroke or even head trauma. Even though the patient may outwardly recover, the hidden cell damage may be irreversible.
I found this article on Medical News Today. If you would like to read the whole article, here is the link.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=73072
It would seem to make sense that the any event that weakens the brain would also leave it more vulnerable to the effects of any built up toxins. I really don’t understand how years later if the patient has made a recovery that previous incident still leaves them at a higher risk.
Thanks for your comment Stephen. My mum had a minor stroke six months before she was diagnosed with Alzheimers and I had all ways wondered if there was a link.