Those who experience forgetfulness; you may have had a stroke.

Interventional Neurology Specialist Dr. Elif Sarıönder Gencer stated, “In individuals with cardiovascular risk factors, forgetfulness may not be caused by Alzheimer’s disease, but rather by stroke. Early diagnosis for these patients is crucial for preventive treatment. Stroke must be considered in patients with forgetfulness and progressive cognitive impairment.”

Dr. Elif Sarıönder Gencer from the Neurology Department of Memorial Antalya Hospital provided explanations about the causes and consequences of strokes.

Stroke, a cause of disability and death

Dr. Elif Sarıönder Gencer emphasized that stroke, which is a serious health problem in Turkey and worldwide, is a major cause of disability and death due to the brain tissue being unable to receive proper nourishment for specific reasons. Gencer said, “Stroke is the leading cause of disability globally and the second leading cause of death in our country. Many conditions that cause temporary blockages in brain vessels can lead to stroke. For example, carotid artery stenosis can occur from blood clots formed in the heart, or from blockages in small vessels. These types of vessel blockages can frequently be seen in patients with diabetes, hypertension, and those who smoke. Stroke can be observed in all patients with medium and advanced age who have arteriosclerosis. When we think of arteriosclerosis, we usually think of heart diseases, but almost all diseases that cause heart vessel diseases can lead to brain vessel blockages as well. In other words, smoking, uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, unhealthy lifestyles, and genetic predispositions can all lead to brain blockages and strokes.”

“The most common cause of forgetfulness is Alzheimer’s, and the second most common cause is stroke”

Highlighting that stroke can also lead to forgetfulness, Dr. Elif Sarıönder Gencer noted that 70% of patients who have suffered a stroke struggle with Alzheimer’s-like forgetfulness. Gencer continued: “Stroke can cause sudden weakness in the arms or legs, speech disturbances, changes in consciousness, and also sudden imbalance and unilateral vision loss. One of the less considered symptoms is forgetfulness. Stroke can also lead to forgetfulness. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of forgetfulness, and the second most common cause is stroke. Brain vessel blockages can cause stroke depending on their structure, shape, and multiplicity; 70% of patients who have had a stroke face varying degrees of Alzheimer’s-like forgetfulness after the event.”

“Three different types of strokes can cause forgetfulness”

Explaining that three different types of strokes can lead to forgetfulness, Dr. Elif Sarıönder Gencer stated that patients with progressive forgetfulness should also be evaluated for stroke. Gencer said, “Three types of strokes can cause forgetfulness; the first is a type of stroke that goes unnoticed, characterized by blockages in the small vessels of the brain, known as small vessel disease. This disease can occur in individuals with uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, irregular lifestyles, and those who smoke. Those with progressive vascular forgetfulness, without the typical signs of stroke like arm/leg weakness, speech difficulty, or imbalance, should be evaluated for stroke; if they have what we call vascular dementia, they need to receive preventive stroke treatment. Otherwise, dementia can progress to an untreatable stage. Carotid artery blockages, especially in patients with severe narrowing and blockages in both carotid arteries simultaneously, can lead to rapidly progressing forgetfulness and Alzheimer’s-like forgetfulness. This does not improve with Alzheimer’s treatment; the correct treatment must be applied to ensure the brain receives adequate nourishment.”

“Doctor check-ups should not be neglected”

Emphasizing that stroke is a serious cause of disability, Dr. Elif Sarıönder Gencer pointed out that these patients should not neglect regular doctor visits. Gencer stated: “Stroke is a significant cause of disability, and forgetfulness, which is one of the prominent causes of this disability, can increase the need for care. These patients cannot undergo rehabilitation due to forgetfulness and certain degrees of cognitive impairments. Preventive measures should be taken, and doctor check-ups should not be neglected.”

“The cause of dementia-like forgetfulness in patients may be stroke”

Indicating that stroke should not be overlooked in patients with vascular dementia, Dr. Gencer concluded her remarks by saying: “In individuals with cardiovascular risk factors, forgetfulness may not be caused by Alzheimer’s disease, but rather by stroke. Early diagnosis for these patients is crucial for preventive treatment. Stroke must definitely be considered in patients with forgetfulness and progressive cognitive impairment.”