Who is most at risk for stroke?

Risk factors for stroke include:

• Age 55 and above
• Male
• High blood pressure  / Hypertension
• History of smoking
• Diabetes mellitus
• High cholesterol
• Heartbeat irregularity
• Certain heart diseases including recent heart attack
• Previous stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Is dementia part of the aging process?

No, dementia is an illness that affects the brain. Over time it leads to memory loss over time, cognitive decline, and personality changes. It is not part of normal aging.

Is Dementia is the same as Alzheimer’s Disease?

There are different types of dementia. The commonality is that they all involve changes in the patient’s brain. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for about 70% of dementia cases.

What are the symptoms of cataracts, and how can they be treated?

Cataracts typically develop slowly and may initially go unnoticed. Common symptoms include blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light, and seeing halos around lights. Colors may also appear faded. The primary treatment for cataracts is surgical removal of the cloudy lens, which is then replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. Cataract surgery is highly effective and can significantly improve vision.

What is diabetic retinopathy, and how can it affect my vision?

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels of the retina. High blood sugar levels can cause these vessels to swell, leak, or grow abnormally, leading to vision impairment or blindness if untreated. Symptoms may include spots or dark strings floating in your vision, blurred vision, fluctuating vision, and impaired color vision. Managing blood sugar levels, regular eye exams, and early treatment with laser therapy, injections, or surgery can help prevent severe vision loss.