Strokes occur when blood supply to the brain is blocked, and they require prompt medical attention. However, women may be less likely than men to seek treatment because the signs of a stroke can vary across genders. Women may encounter different symptoms of strokes than men, and they’re also more likely to experience lingering symptoms. Make sure to watch for these signs of a stroke in both senior men and women.
Weak Limbs
Sensations of weakness and numbness are fairly common among senior men. These symptoms can make it difficult for them to raise their arms or move their legs. Weak limbs can also cause a feeling of tingling pins and needles in the arms or legs. When a senior man experiencing a stroke raises both arms or legs, one may drift downward. Bear in mind this symptom can also occasionally occur among senior women.
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Negative Feelings
At the onset of strokes, senior women are likely to experience sudden random feelings of anxiety and agitation. These symptoms are an unconscious reaction to the brain’s inability to get enough blood. Some women continue to report these symptoms in the 24 hours following the onset of the stroke. Though feelings of dread are more common in women, they can also happen in men.
Vision Changes
Strokes can cause senior men and women to experience either blurred vision or complete loss of eyesight. Others may encounter tunnel vision, where it seems like the outer edges of their vision are darkening or blurring. These symptoms can occur in either one or both eyes at the same time.
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Feeling of Uneasiness
Because of the sudden bouts of nausea that accompany a stroke, many seniors mistakenly believe they’re experiencing some other type of illness. Other physical symptoms include sensations of dizziness, queasiness, hiccups, seizures, or even unconsciousness. All these symptoms are slightly more common in women, but men experience them as well.
Difficulty Speaking or Understanding Speech
Strokes frequently affect the language centers of the brain or the ability to physically control vocal chords. Some seniors start to slur their speech or say random words that don’t make sense in the given context. Others may be able to speak fine but find it difficult to understand speech. This can make them feel like others are speaking in a foreign language. Seniors of both genders are equally affected by this symptom.
Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. Arlington, VA, at-home care professionals are trained to help seniors who need extensive assistance. With the help of a home caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place. If your loved one needs professional care, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (703) 988-1800 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.
