Elliott Nursing and Rehabilitation is excited to share Mrs. Gilliam’s Success Story!

Mrs. Gilliam joined us at Elliott Nursing and Rehabilitation for short-term rehab following an acute hospitalization that left her feeling weak and unsteady. Upon admission, she required frequent rest breaks, supplemental oxygen, and assistance with all self-care and mobility tasks.

From day one, Mrs. Gilliam was determined to return home—and she put in the hard work to make it happen! With the support of our incredible Occupational, Speech, and Physical Therapy teams, she steadily progressed, building up her strength, endurance, and independence. We are so proud to share that Mrs. Gilliam not only achieved her goal of returning home with her family, but she also no longer requires supplemental oxygen! Congratulations, Mrs. Gilliam! Your strength and determination are truly inspiring.

When someone close to you dies, your world changes. You are in mourning — feeling grief and sorrow at the loss. You may feel numb, shocked, and fearful. You may feel guilty for being the one who is still alive. You may even feel angry at your loved one for leaving you. All of these feelings are normal. There are no rules about how you should feel. There is no right or wrong way to mourn.

When you grieve, you can feel both physical and emotional pain. People who are grieving often cry easily and can have:

• Trouble sleeping
• Little interest in food
• Problems with concentration
• A hard time making decisions

As time passes, you may still miss your loved one. But for most people, the intense pain will lessen. There will be good and bad days. You may feel guilty or surprised for laughing at a joke or enjoying a visit with a friend. It is important to understand that these can be common feelings.

Finding a support system

There are many ways to grieve and to learn to accept loss. Try not to ignore your grief. Support may be available until you can manage your grief on your own.

While family and compassionate friends can be supportive, they may be grieving, too. Some people find that sharing memories and stories about the person who is gone is one way to help each other. Sometimes, people hesitate to bring up the loss or mention the name of the person who died because they worry this can be hurtful. But many people may find it helpful to talk directly about their loss. You are all coping with the death of someone who was important in your lives.

What is complicated grief?

It is normal to feel sad, numb, or lost for a while after someone close to you dies. But for some people, mourning can go on so long or be so distressing that it becomes unhealthy. This prolonged and intense reaction to loss is known as complicated grief. People with this condition may be unable to comprehend or accept the loss, experience intense sorrow and emotional pain, and have trouble resuming their own life and making plans for the future. Other signs of complicated grief may include having overwhelmingly negative emotions, feeling preoccupied with the person who died or the circumstances of the death, and being unable to find meaning or a purpose in life.

Complicated grief can be a serious condition. Those who have it may need additional help to overcome the loss. If sadness is making it difficult for you to carry on in your day-to-day life, help is available. Reach out to a support group, mental health professional, or loved ones for support. If cost is a factor for you, ask your doctor or other healthcare provider if they know of any local health professionals or programs that offer low-cost or free help.

How grief counseling can help

Some people find that grief counseling makes it easier to work through their sorrow. Regular talk therapy with a grief counselor or therapist can help those who are grieving learn to accept a death.

There are also support groups for grieving people to help each other. These groups can be specialized — people who have lost loved ones to Alzheimer’s disease, for example — or they can be for anyone learning to manage grief. Check with local hospitals and senior centers, nursing homes, religious groups, funeral homes, or your doctor to find support groups in your area. Hospice care professionals can also provide grief counseling, sometimes called bereavement support, to the family of someone who was under their care. You can also ask hospice workers for bereavement support even if hospice was not used before the death.

For older adults who are socially isolated or have limited family nearby, there are resources available. Try one of the suggestions below:

• Online support groups. Many online forums or support groups online are free and can help offer support from the home.
• Online therapy or counseling sessions. If you’re looking for a therapist or counselor to address your grief or loss, many offer online sessions that you can attend from your home.
• Support books. Books can be a great way to understand grief and sorrow, and they can provide tips to help overcome these feelings. Check your local library or ask a librarian for recommendations.
• Community resources. Some communities offer grief and loss counseling or resources. Check with your local community center, senior center, faith community, or hospital to learn about what they offer.

Taking care of yourself while grieving

In the beginning, you may find that taking care of details and keeping busy helps. For a while, family and friends may be around to assist you. But there comes a time when you will need to face the change in your life.

Here are some ideas to keep in mind:

• Take care of yourself. Grief can be hard on your health. Exercise regularly, eat healthy food, and try to get enough sleep. Bad habits, such as drinking too much alcohol or smoking, can put your health at risk.
• Make mealtime plans. Some people who have lost a loved one lose interest in cooking and eating. Sometimes eating at home alone feels too quiet, so it may help to have lunch with friends. Turning on the radio or TV during meals can also help. For information on nutrition and cooking for one, look for books at your local library, bookstore, or online.
• Talk with caring friends. Let family and friends know when you want to talk about your loved one. When possible, accept their offers of help and company.
• Participate in your favorite activities. Doing things you enjoy, such as painting, biking, volunteering, or social club events can help improve overall mood and well-being. Listening to uplifting music may also bring comfort.
• Reach out to your faith community. Many people who are grieving find comfort in spending time with others who share their religious beliefs, praying, or reading religious or spiritual scripture.
• See your doctor. Keep up with visits to your healthcare provider. If it has been a while, schedule a check-up and bring your doctor up to date on pre-existing medical conditions and any new health issues that may be of concern. Let your health care provider know if you are having trouble taking care of everyday activities such as personal hygiene and dressing, or fixing meals.
• Mourning takes time. It’s common to have a roller coaster of emotions for a while.

If you have children, remember that they are grieving, too. It will take time for the whole family to adjust to life without your loved one. You may find that your relationship with your children and their relationships with each other have changed. Open, honest communication is important.

When you feel ready, go through your loved one’s clothes and other personal items. It may be hard to give away these belongings. Instead of parting with everything at once, you might make three piles: one to keep, one to give away, and one “not sure.” Ask your children or others to help. Think about setting aside items such as a special piece of clothing, watch, favorite book, or picture to give to your children or grandchildren as personal reminders of your loved one.

Mourning the loss of a spouse or partner

If you have lost a spouse or partner, you may worry about how you will take care of yourself or your home. Many couples divide up their household tasks. One person may pay bills and handle car repairs. The other may cook meals and mow the lawn. Splitting up jobs often works well until there is only one person who must do it all. Learning to manage new tasks — from chores to household repairs to finances — can take time.

Reaching out to friends and family who are close by to help manage tasks right after your loss can help. If you don’t have loved ones nearby, local organizations may be able to help. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) offers online tools to help connect people with resources in their community. After a while, you may develop a better understanding of how to handle tasks on your own.

Being alone can also increase concerns about safety. It’s a good idea to ensure there are working locks on the doors and windows.

Facing the future without a spouse or partner can be scary, especially for those who have never lived alone. Those who are both widowed and retired may feel very lonely and become depressed. Talk with your doctor about how you are feeling.

Socializing after the death of a loved one

It may be overwhelming to think about going to parties or other social events without your loved one. It can be hard to think about coming home alone. If you were married or had a long-time partner, you may feel anxious about dating. Many people miss the feeling of closeness that marriage or other intimate relationship brings. After time, some may be ready to have a social life again.

Here are some things to remember:

• Go at a comfortable pace. There’s no rush.
• It’s okay to make the first move when it comes to planning things to do.
• Volunteer.
• Try group activities. Invite friends for a potluck dinner or participate in an activity at a local community or senior center.
• Consider lower-stress, informal outings such as walks or movies.
• Find an activity you like. You may have fun and meet people who share your interests.
• You can develop meaningful relationships with friends and family members of all ages.
• Many people find that pets provide comforting companionship.

Getting your legal and financial paperwork in order

When you feel ready, you might consider getting your legal and financial affairs in order. If you were married and your spouse died, you may need to update certain legal documents and other paperwork. For example, you might need to:

• Write a new will and update your advance care planning.
• Look into a durable power of attorney for legal matters and health care in case you are unable to make your own medical decisions in the future.
• Put joint property (such as a house or car) in your name.
• Consider changes you may need to make to your health insurance as well as to your life, car, and homeowner’s insurance.
• Make a list of bills you will need to pay in the next few months, for example, your rent or mortgage; utilities such as electricity, water, and phone and internet services; insurance; and state and federal taxes.

To learn more, please visit https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/grief-and-mourning/coping-grief-and-loss.

Vascular dementia refers to changes to memory, thinking, and behavior resulting from conditions that affect the blood vessels in the brain. Cognition and brain function can be significantly affected by the size, location, and number of vascular changes.

Symptoms of vascular dementia can begin gradually or can occur suddenly, and then progress over time, with possible short periods of improvement. Vascular dementia can occur alone or be a part of a different diagnosis such as Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. When an individual is diagnosed with vascular dementia, their symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

What causes vascular dementia?

Vascular dementia is caused by different conditions that interrupt the flow of blood and oxygen supply to the brain and damage blood vessels in the brain.

People with vascular dementia almost always have abnormalities in the brain that can be seen on MRI scans. These abnormalities can include evidence of prior strokes, which are often small and sometimes without noticeable symptoms. Major strokes can also increase the risk for dementia, but not everyone who has had a stroke will develop dementia.

Other abnormalities commonly found in the brains of people with vascular dementia are diseased small blood vessels and changes in “white matter” — the connecting “wires” of the brain that are critical for relaying messages between brain regions.

Researchers are investigating how these changes in the brain — and their underlying causes — are involved in the onset and progression of dementia. Research has shown a strong link between cardiovascular disease, involving the heart and blood vessels, and cerebrovascular disease, involving the brain, and subsequent cognitive impairment and dementia. This area of research is referred to as “vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia,” or VCID. It is helping researchers better understand this connection and whether the methods used to prevent and treat cerebrovascular disease and heart disease could also help prevent dementia. Researchers investigating VCID are exploring diverse conditions that affect blood flow to and within the brain, including infarcts (an area of dead tissue resulting from a lack of blood supply), hemorrhages (bleeding from ruptured or damaged blood vessels), cerebral hypoperfusion (reduced blood flow), and small vessel disease in the brain such as that thought to be associated with white matter hyperintensities (white patches seen on brain MRI scans), and stroke.

What are the symptoms of vascular dementia?

People with vascular dementia may experience:

• Difficulty performing tasks that used to be easy, such as paying bills
• Trouble following instructions or learning new information and routines
• Forgetting current or past events
• Misplacing items
• Getting lost on familiar routes
• Problems with language, such as finding the right word or using the wrong word
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Difficulty reading and writing
• Loss of interest in things or people
• Changes in personality, behavior, and mood, such as depression, agitation, and anger
• Hallucinations or delusions (believing something is real that is not)
• Poor judgment and loss of ability to perceive danger

How is vascular dementia treated?

Because many different disease processes can result in different forms of vascular dementia, there may not be one treatment for all. However, vascular dementia is often managed with medications to prevent strokes and reduce the risk of additional brain damage. Some studies suggest that medications that are used to treat Alzheimer’s might benefit some people with an early form of vascular dementia. Treating modifiable risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and problems with the rhythm of the heartbeat can help prevent additional stroke. Living a healthy lifestyle is important to help reduce the risk factors of vascular dementia.

To learn more, please visit https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/vascular-dementia/vascular-dementia-causes-symptoms-and-treatments.

If you’re seriously ill and can’t communicate your wishes about medical care, a living will can help ensure you get the care you want. A living will is an important part of advance care planning, which involves discussing and preparing for future health care decisions in the event you can’t make them. These decisions are often put into legal documents called advance directives. A living will is one of the most common types of advance directives. The other common advance directive is called a durable power of attorney for health care, which names a person (called a health care proxy) who can make decisions on your behalf.

What is a living will?

A living will is a legal document that tells doctors how you want to be treated if you cannot make your own decisions about emergency treatment. In a living will, you can say which common medical treatments or care you would want, which ones you would want to avoid, and under which conditions each of your choices applies.

This is different than a will, which provides legal guidance about a person’s estate — their property and financial assets — as well as care for a child or adult dependents, gifts, and end-of-life arrangements such as a funeral or memorial service and burial or cremation.

What kinds of decisions are covered in a living will?

Through a living will, you can share your preferences about the use of emergency treatments to keep you alive. You should also talk with your health care proxy about your choices. Decisions that might come up at this time relate to:

• CPR. This procedure tries to restore your heartbeat if your heart stops or is in a life-threatening abnormal rhythm. It involves repeatedly pushing on the chest with force, while putting air into the lungs. This force can sometimes break a person’s ribs. Electric shocks, known as defibrillation, and medicines might also be used as part of the process. The heart of a young, otherwise healthy person might resume beating normally, but CPR is less likely to work among older adults who have chronic medical conditions or are hospitalized with a serious illness.
• Ventilators. If you are not able to breathe adequately, you may need a ventilator, a machine that uses a tube in the throat to push air into the lungs to help you breathe. Inserting the tube down the throat is called intubation. Intubation can be very uncomfortable, so medicine is often used to keep the person sedated. If you are expected to remain on a ventilator for a long time, a doctor may insert the tube directly into your trachea (a part of the throat) through a hole in the neck. This is called a tracheotomy. For long-term help with breathing, this procedure makes it more comfortable. People who have had a tracheotomy need additional help to speak.
• Pacemakers and ICDs. Some people have pacemakers to help their hearts beat regularly. If you have one and are near death, it may not necessarily keep you alive. Some people have an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) that will shock the heart back into regular beats if the rhythm becomes irregular. If you decline other life-sustaining measures, the ICD may be turned off. You should state in your advance directives what you want done if a doctor suggests it is time to turn it off.
• Artificial nutrition and hydration. If you are not able to eat or drink, fluids and nutrients may be delivered into a vein through an IV or through a feeding tube. A feeding tube that is needed for a short time goes through the nose and esophagus into the stomach. If a feeding tube is needed for an extended period, it may be surgically inserted directly into the stomach through the skin of the abdomen. Hand feeding (sometimes called assisted oral feeding) is an alternative to tube feeding. This approach may have fewer risks, especially for people with dementia. Artificial nutrition and hydration can be helpful if you are recovering from an illness. However, studies have shown that artificial nutrition toward the end of life does not meaningfully prolong life.

In your living will, you may also choose to document other preferences that are important to you, such as organ and tissue donation and brain donation.

How do you prepare a living will?

Preparing a living will often involves the following steps:

• Reflect on what matters most at the end of life. Many people begin the process by thinking about their values and wishes. For example, if your heart stops or you have trouble breathing, would you want to undergo lifesaving measures if it meant that, in the future, you could be well enough to spend time with your family? For some people, staying alive as long as medically possible, or long enough to experience an important family event, is the most important goal. Other individuals have a clear idea about when they would no longer want to prolong their lives. Reflecting on what matters most to you can help you decide on the types of care and treatment options you want to include in your living will.
• Talk to a doctor. Talking with a doctor about advance care planning is covered by Medicare as part of your annual wellness visit. If you have private health insurance, check with your insurance provider. Talking with one or more health care providers can help you learn about your current health and the kinds of decisions that are likely to come up. For example, you might ask about the decisions you or your family may face if your high blood pressure leads to a stroke. You can ask a doctor to help you understand and think through your choices before you put them in writing. If it makes you more comfortable, you can also ask your health care proxy to come to your appointment with you.
• Complete your living will form. You can find, download, and print free advance directive forms for your state. You may need to have your form witnessed or notarized, so be sure to read the directions closely. Once you’ve completed your form, store it in a safe place and give copies to your proxy and health care provider.
• Update your living will regularly. Remember: You may feel differently as time goes on. You should update your living will at least once each year and after any major life event, like a divorce or move.

Ready to get started? Learn where to find advance directive forms in your state.

aving a stroke is just as serious as having a heart attack. So, it’s important to know the signs of stroke and act quickly if you suspect you or someone you know is having one. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and is the number one cause of serious adult disability. Stroke risk increases with age, but strokes can — and do — occur at any age. The good news is that most strokes can be prevented, and there are steps you can take that may lower your chance of having a stroke.

Know the signs of stroke

Knowing the symptoms of a stroke and acting quickly could mean the difference between life and disability or death. If you delay getting help, the risk of permanent damage or death increases greatly.

Even if the symptoms don’t last long, they may still be a sign of stroke. Call 911 right away if you or someone you know has any of these symptoms:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg — especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding speech
• Sudden problems seeing in one eye or both eyes
• Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, or trouble walking
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Other danger signs that may occur include double vision, drowsiness, and nausea or vomiting. Stroke strikes fast. Responding quickly when you notice any of these symptoms is key.

Do not drive yourself to the hospital and don’t ask someone else to drive you. Call 911 for an ambulance so that medical personnel can begin lifesaving treatment on the way to the emergency room.

What is a stroke?

A stroke happens when there’s a change in how blood flows through the brain. Blood brings oxygen and nutrients to brain cells. If blood can’t flow to a part of the brain, cells that do not receive enough oxygen suffer and eventually die. If brain cells are without oxygen for only a short time, they can sometimes repair themselves. However, once brain cells die, they can’t be repaired. While there is growing evidence that, in some cases, new brain cells help to replace those lost, this takes time and occurs much more slowly in older adults. As a result, someone who has had a stroke may have trouble speaking, thinking, or walking.

There are two major types of strokes:

• Ischemic stroke: This is the most common stroke and happens when a blood clot or the narrowing of a blood vessel (artery) reduces blood flow to the brain. This keeps blood from flowing into other parts of the brain and stops oxygen and nutrients from reaching brain cells. Ischemic strokes are commonly caused by:
  • Thrombosis: a clot that forms in a blood vessel of the brain or neck
  • Embolism: a clot that moves from another part of the body, such as from the heart to the neck or brain
  • Stenosis: when a blood vessel in the brain narrows, typically due to fatty deposits lining the walls of the artery
• Hemorrhagic stroke: This is the second major kind of stroke. It’s marked by a burst blood vessel that causes blood to leak into or around the brain. This break reduces delivery of oxygen and nutrients to brain cells and exposes the brain tissue to toxic substances that may cause the cells to die. The bleeding also increases pressure inside the skull that can compress brain tissue and cause damage.

Sometimes the symptoms of a stroke last for a short time (minutes to hours) and then go away. This is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a mini-stroke, or a warning stroke. TIA is also a medical emergency. You must call 911 and get medical help right away. If a TIA is not treated quickly, it could be followed by a major stroke within hours or days.

The earlier someone with a stroke arrives at the hospital, the more likely they are to receive effective treatment. Don’t delay if you or someone you know experiences any symptoms.

Lower your risk of stroke

Some risk factors for stroke, such as age, race and ethnicity, and family history, can’t be controlled. But there are steps you can take to help lower your risk, including:

• Control high blood pressure. Regularly check your blood pressure. If it is high, follow a doctor’s advice on how to lower it. Treating high blood pressure lowers the risk of both stroke and heart disease.
• Don’t smoke. Smoking increases your risk for stroke. It’s never too late to quit.
• Control your cholesterol. High blood cholesterol levels can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries. In time, this can block blood flow and lead to a stroke. If you have high cholesterol, work with a doctor to lower it.
• Control your diabetes. Untreated diabetes can damage blood vessels and lead to narrowed arteries and stroke. Follow a doctor’s suggestions for keeping diabetes under control.
• Eat healthy foods. Eat foods that are low in cholesterol and saturated fats. Include a variety of fruits and vegetables every day.
• Exercise regularly. Try to make physical activity a part of your everyday life. Do things you like; for example, take a brisk walk, ride a bicycle, or go swimming. Talk with your health care provider if you haven’t been exercising and you want to start an exercise program or increase your physical activity.
• Manage blood thinners. Too much blood thinning medication, such as aspirin or anticoagulants, can lead to bleeding. If you take these medications, a doctor can help to ensure your dosage is correct.

If you’ve had a stroke or heart attack in the past, you’re at a higher risk for another stroke. Talk with your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.

Diagnosing and treating stroke

Get to the hospital right away to be evaluated and receive treatment because ALL strokes benefit from immediate medical treatment.

A doctor will diagnose a stroke based on symptoms, medical history, a physical exam, and medical tests such as a CT scan. A CT scan is a test that lets doctors see detailed images of the brain that can show bleeding or other abnormalities.

Treatment depends on the type of stroke and may include medications, surgery, other procedures, and rehabilitation.

• Ischemic stroke treatments: Drug therapy is the most common treatment for strokes caused by a blood clot. The two most common drug therapies for stroke are:
  • Antithrombotics, which prevent the formation of new blood clots that can become stuck in an artery of the brain and cause strokes. This group of drugs includes antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs, also called blood thinners. They help stop cells and other factors in the blood from sticking together and forming blood clots.
  • Thrombolytics, whichtreat the stroke by dissolving the blood clot that is blocking blood flow to the brain. The most commonly used drug for thrombolytic therapy is called tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA), but other drugs can do the same thing. Starting treatment with t-PA within three hours after an ischemic stroke is important for recovery. Getting to a hospital right away allows time for a CT scan of the brain, which helps the doctor decide whether the clot-busting medicine is the right treatment choice.
• Hemorrhagic stroke treatments: Treatment for hemorrhagic stroke involves finding the source of the bleeding and controlling it. Hemorrhagic strokes get worse with thrombolytic medications, so it is essential to determine the type of stroke before starting emergency treatment. Hemorrhagic strokes require surgery or other procedures to stop the bleeding and relieve any pressure on the brain caused by the excess fluid.

Surgery and vascular procedures are also often used to prevent stroke, reduce the risk of having another stroke, or repair damage to the arteries or malformations in and around the brain. These include:

• Angioplasty: The insertion and inflation of a small balloon within a blocked artery to press plaque or a blood clot against the artery wall to improve blood flow.
• Stenting: The placement of a small metal tunnel, or stent, in the clogged artery. The stent helps to keep the artery open and decrease the chance of it narrowing again.
• Carotid endarterectomy: A surgical procedure in which a doctor removes fatty deposits blocking one of the two carotid arteries, the main suppliers of blood for the brain.
• Endovascular thrombectomy: The removal of a large clot using a special device that can suction out or grab a clot and pull it out.

What happens after a stroke?

A stroke can cause a variety of health problems. How a stroke affects a person depends on which part of the brain is damaged. Someone who has had a stroke might be paralyzed or have weakness, usually on one side of the body. He or she might have trouble speaking or using words. There could be swallowing problems, pain, or numbness.

Stroke may cause problems with thinking, awareness, attention, learning, judgment, and memory. Fatigue after a stroke is common. Someone who has had a stroke might feel depressed or find it hard to control emotions. This is more than general sadness: It’s a serious mood disorder that may need treatment. If depression is a concern, talk to a doctor as soon as possible. Call or text the 24-hour 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). For TTY, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Rehabilitation from stroke

There are many different ways to help people get better after a stroke. Many treatments start in the hospital and continue at home. By supporting the brain’s ability to rewire some of the circuits lost after a stroke — a process called neuroplasticity — rehabilitation therapy may lead to some improved function over months or years.

• Physical therapy: Helps a person relearn simple motor activities such as walking, sitting, standing, lying down, and the process of switching from one type of movement to another.
• Occupational therapy: Helps a person relearn everyday activities, such as eating, drinking, and swallowing; bathing and dressing; cooking; reading and writing; and using the toilet. Using exercise and training activities, occupational therapists focus on helping a person become independent or semi-independent.
• Speech therapy: Helps a person relearn language and speaking skills or learn other forms of communication. With time and patience, a stroke survivor may be able to regain some, and sometimes all, language and speaking abilities.

Each person’s stroke recovery journey is unique. Rehabilitation results and recovery time depend on many factors, including severity of the brain damage, age, and the management of other physical health conditions. For example, during rehabilitation, steps should be taken to prevent the development of new medical problems, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, injury due to a fall, or a clot formation in large veins.

Overall, the sooner stroke rehabilitation therapy begins, the better the chances are for a person to regain function. Supportive family, friends, and social networks can help the person recovering from stroke cope with their emotions and also help coordinate therapy, which can extend over a long period of time.

Research to reduce stroke risk and improve rehabilitation

Scientists are working to develop better treatments and strategies to prevent, detect, and improve stroke rehabilitation outcomes. Both people who have experienced a stroke and those who haven’t may be eligible to participate in research.

Talk with a doctor if you’re interested in joining a stroke research study or visit www.clinicaltrials.gov to find a study near you or online.