Study Reveals Risk of Silent Strokes in Older Adults After Surgery

A study by Canadian researchers found nearly three million people older than 65 might be suffering silent strokes each year after surgery, reports SpotNext . Silent strokes can only be detected via brain scan, and occur more frequently than strokes that exhibit visible symptoms. A survey of more than 1,000 people from North and South America, Asia, New Zealand, and Europe determined one in 14 persons had a silent stroke following surgery. "'Silent' covert strokes are actually more common than overt strokes in people aged 65 or older who have surgery," said McMaster University's P.J. Devereaux. Subjects who had a silent stroke after surgery were 13 percent more likely to present cognitive decline, delirium, overt stroke, or a mini-stroke due to temporary disruption of the brain's blood supply. The Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health's Brian Rowe said the research "provides important insights into the development of vascular brain injury after surgery, and adds to the mounting evidence of the importance of vascular health on cognitive decline."